Authorities have identified the fisherman pulled from the Niantic River.
Emergency crews found Challen Young, 53, along the river's shore in Waterford Friday morning.
People along Bayside Avenue in Waterford called 911 after seeing a 15-foot Boston Whaler floating in the river with it's outboard motor in the water.
Scallop season opened Thursday, and it is believed Young, who was from Waterford, may have been scalloping when he apparently fell into the river. He was unconscious when he washed ashore a short time later.
Rescuers tried to revive Young, then rushed him to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London where he was pronounced dead around 2:30 p.m., according to Department of Energy and Environmental Protection officials.
