Teenage girl killed in Connecticut boating accident

GREENWICH, Conn. - A 16-year-old girl was killed and another 16-year-old girl was seriously injured when they were struck by the propeller of a boat towing them in Long Island Sound, police said.

The accident occurred near the Old Greenwich Yacht Club, which is located in the Greater Greenwich Harbor area, around 2 p.m., CBS affiliate WFSB-TV reported.

The two girls were in tubes being towed behind a motor boat when the vessel stopped short and the tow rope got caught in its propeller, police said.

One of the girls died at the scene, Greenwich police spokesman Lt. Kraig Gray sad. The other girl had a soft tissue leg injury that he said "required extensive sticking." She is expected to recover.

"I don't think there's any greater tragedy for a family than to lose a child at 16 years old in a simple boating accident on a beautiful day while they were looking to have a little fun," Gray said.

He said it appears to have been "a tragic accident."

The boat was being operated by two other girls, both 16. The boat belonged to the father of one of the teens on the boat, WFSB said.

Police said alcohol was not a factor in the crash. Officials with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Conservation were investigating.

All four girls were from Greenwich and attended Greenwich High School.

Greenwich Superintendent of Schools William McKersie said counselors will be available for the school communities.

"This evening, we are mourning the devastating loss of one of our Greenwich High School students, a rising junior, who was involved in a boating accident today on the Long Island Sound. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time of tragedy," McKersie said in a statement.