The operator and his passengers left Cos Cob Harbor for an evening cruise. Upon exiting the harbor, the vessel was heading southwest toward Island Beach.  On the return trip, the operator traveled easterly at 20 kts. between the southern coast of Greenwich and the northern side of Red Rock, a marked hazardous rock formation. While in the area of Red Rock, the operator noticed swirling water approximately ten yards in front of his vessel. He believed the swirling water was an indication of a submerged rock or reef and he was unable to make any evasive maneuvers to prevent the collision.  Vessel hit rocks at the northern side of Red Rock.   The vessel immediately lost power and began taking on water.  The owner hailed a "mayday" and deployed his life raft.  He and his passengers entered the raft and awaited assistance.  The damaged vessel floated toward Newfoundland Reef, where it was eventually towed.

note by investigator:  time of collision was ebb tide with dead low at 1921; highest point of Red Rock is approximately 100 yds north of actual buoy marking rock hazard, yet operator emphatically stated that he knew where Red Rock was and described it as right off of the red/green buoy.

note by reviewer:  Red Rock is marked with a preferred channel marker; red on top green at bottom.  Preferred way to pass would have been to leave the buoy to port.  Rock can be cleared to starboard, if keep closer to Greenwich shore.

Greenwich                     