Reich v. Houston, et al. (Bridgeport Superior Court – filed January 13, 2017) On August 13, 2016, Daniel Reich was participating in a sailboat regatta in Southport Harbor and Long Island Sound, when thunderstorms approached the course. One of the defendants, Stephen Houston, attempted to tow the plaintiff to shore using a motorized powerboat. While distracted and without waiting for the plaintiff to finish tying lines and provide an “all clear” signal, Houston prematurely engaged the throttle resulting in Reich sustaining a severe avulsion amputation injury to the thumb on his master hand. The plaintiff has had to undergo numerous surgical procedures and interventions. Other named defendants in the suit include William Michael Crawford, the owner of the powerboat who supplied an unseaworthy crew and vessel, and the organizers of the sailboat regatta, Pequot Yacht Club, who failed to have a safe and proper evacuation method in place in the event of inclement weather.