A rescue crew from Coast Guard Station Shinnecock rescued three people after their vessel capsized near Shinnecock Inlet, New York, Wednesday. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
NEW YORK — A rescue crew from Coast Guard Station Shinnecock rescued three people after their vessel capsized near Shinnecock Inlet, New York, Wednesday.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound Command Center received a distress call at approximately 3:30 p.m. from a good Samaritan reporting a 23-foot center console vessel had capsized with three people in the water, two miles south of Shinnecock Inlet.
A rescue crew from Station Shinnecock immediately launched aboard their 25-foot response boat small and arrived on scene at 3:45 p.m.
Upon arrival, two people were located sitting on the hull of the capsized vessel with lifejackets on and a third person was recovered by a good Samaritan. All three people were safely transferred to the Coast Guard smallboat with no reported injuries.
The owner of the vessel stated they experienced several large waves over the stern and the engine would not start. While trying to repair the engine, a large wave hit and capsized the vessel.
"This case illustrates the importance of having lifejackets and other life saving emergency equipment aboard your vessel,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicolas Alger, a member of Station Shinnecock. “Weather and sea states can be unpredictable and it is best to ensure you are prepared for any type of emergency situation.”