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    Police-Fire Reports
    Thursday, May 02, 2024

    DEEP IDs 3 men involved in fatal Groton boating accident

    Groton — The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has identified the three men involved in this weekend’s double-fatal boating incident in Mumford Cove.

    DEEP identified the deceased as Joseph Grzelak, 31, of Griswold and Joseph Formica, 33, of East Haddam. Twenty-nine-year-old Justin Besade of Uncasville also was on the boat. At first listed in serious condition, Besade was treated and released from the hospital Saturday afternoon.

    According to DEEP, a resident reported seeing a swamped vessel without occupants shortly after 9 a.m. Saturday. DEEP Environmental Conservation police, the U.S. Coast Guard and members of the Groton Town police, Groton Long Point police and Groton Long Point fire departments responded to the scene.

    Members of the Groton Long Point Fire Department recovered two of the men from the water. U.S. Coast Guard personnel found the third on the shore of Bluff Point State Park.

    DEEP officials said the men had been hunting waterfowl.

    EnCon police continue to investigate the incident.

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