Coast Guard Rescues Three in Ocean Off Shinnecock

A rescue crew from Coast Guard Station Shinnecock rescued three people after their 23-foot center console boat capsized near Shinnecock Inlet Wednesday afternoon

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Long Island received a distress call at 3:30 p.m. from a good Samaritan who reported the boat had capsized two miles south of Shinnecock Inlet.

A rescue crew from Station Shinnecock immediately launched their 25-foot response boat and arrived on scene at 3:45 p.m., where they found two people wearing lifejackets sitting on the hull of their capsized boat. A third person had been rescued by a good Samaritan, who helped the Coast Guard return all three people safely to the Shinnecock Station. None of them reported any injuries.

According to the Coast Guard, the owner of the capsized boat, who was on board, said it sustained several large waves over the stern, after which the engine would not start. While the crew was trying to repair the engine, a large wave hit and capsized their boat.

“This case illustrates the importance of having lifejackets and other life saving emergency equipment aboard your vessel,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicolas Alger 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.”

More information on safe boating is online here.