Man killed in boating accident in Fishers Island Sound

A Connecticut man was killed Saturday in a boating accident during a race in Fishers Island Sound, New York State Police said Sunday.

Donald Wilkinson, 54, of Noank, Conn., was one of six people on a sailing vessel called the One More Time participating in the annual 'Round the Island race, police said. He was thrown from the boat into Fishers Island Sound, probably when he was struck in the head by the craft's boom, police said.

Police were called about 2:19 p.m. Saturday, and Wilkinson was taken to Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, Conn., where he was pronounced dead, police said. The cause was traumatic cardiac arrest, police said.

Police said the case was still being investigated but said a preliminary probe showed the death was accidental.

Wilkinson's relatives told the Day of New London that he was a business owner and experienced sailor. The race, which normally takes sailors around the entire Island, was held inside Fishers Island Sound because of windy conditions, police said.