March 14, 2015
NEW YORK — The Coast Guard saved three men from the water Saturday, while a fourth man was later pronounced dead, after their tug sank one mile from Fire Island National Park, New York.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound Command Center received notification from the Vessel Traffic Service in New York of a sinking 65-foot tug with four people aboard at about 2:15 p.m. Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast (UMIB) and launched a rescue boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Fire Island.Station Fire Island crewmembers arrived on scene at approximately 2:45 p.m., discovered a debris field, located three men huddled together in immersion suits, and took them aboard.
A fourth man from the tug was later found unresponsive by a good Samaritan.
All four crewmen were transported to an awaiting emergency crew on shore. The three survivors were diagnosed with hypothermia and the fourth man was later pronounced deceased.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of the deceased,” said Capt. Edward Cubanski, commander Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound.
He said the three survivors did exactly the right thing, donning their survival suits and staying together until rescue crews located them. Incidents like these, Cubanski said - with 40 degree-water and rapidly deteriorating situations - highlight the importance of reliable communications, survival gear, and the knowledge of how to use it.
"I also applaud our dedicated and professional search and rescue crews, our port partners, local EMS, and police who responded on scene and ashore.”
Suffolk County Police Department is investigating the cause of the incident.
Assisted in the search were:
- An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Coast Guard Station Fire Island smallboat crews
- Coast Guard Station Shinnecock smallboat crews