U.S. Coast Guard has launched an urgent search-and-rescue operation near Breezy Point in Queens (New York) following a boating accident that occurred on Sunday. Three people were killed in the frigid water, according to initial reports. Search and rescue teams are searching diligently for a missing person.
After receiving a distress signal at 12:05 p.m. EST, the Coast Guard sent multiple resources to scene. These included three rescue boats, and an MH-65 Dolphin chopper. Five people, including four who were unconscious, have been recovered from the sinking ship, according to an official statement. Tragically, medical staff at the local hospital pronounced three of them dead. A sixth individual is still unaccounted for and the search for them continues. This raises concern about an increase in deaths.
Importance of Incident
This tragic event highlighted the inherent hazards of marine activities, especially in difficult weather conditions. This tragic event highlights the need for boating safety. This ongoing search shows the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to provide maritime search-and-rescue services in spite of adverse circumstances.
Similar boating accidents have occurred in recent history, highlighting the importance of increased awareness and compliance with safety regulations. The deaths of seventeen people were caused by a duck-boat capsize on Table Rock Lake near Missouri, in 2018. A boat that capsized in New York City’s Hudson River on July 20, 2022 claimed the lives of two people: a mother and her child.
Breezy Point Incident: Key details
The accident occurred on the Ambrose Channel. A busy shipping route located just off the coasts of Breezy Point in Brooklyn and Staten Island. The boat is said to have capsized at a considerable distance from shore, according to eyewitness reports. Public information about the identity of those on board and key facts such as the type of vessel is still awaited.
The Coast Guard stated that crew members administered CPR immediately upon rescue to victims who were not responding. New York City’s 911 operator first received notification at 12:04pm EST. The initial notification of the incident was received by New York City 911 operators at 12:04 p.m. EST.
Three of the individuals rescued, according to the local media sources citing the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) confirmation, were later pronounced dead. The fourth victim was reported in critical condition while the fifth in stable. The search is centered on a location approximately 5 miles to the southeast of Breezy Point. Support from NYPD, FDNY and New Jersey State Police are also involved in the ongoing search.
Breezy Point is a small, close-knit community on the Rockaway Peninsula. It’s known for having strong community bonds. This cooperatively-run community houses about 4,300 residents year-round, but the number increases significantly during summer due to the area’s popularity as a destination for summer homes among New Yorkers.
Officials haven’t yet revealed details on the cause. Coast Guard New York posted a recent Facebook message about the hazards posed by the icy conditions on waterways such as the Hudson River. These can cause dangerous situations for boats.
Although the Sunday weather was milder than usual for February, water temperatures remained very cold. This poses a serious risk to hypothermia.
Official Statements
Coast Guard U.S. The agency has confirmed its crews “are actively searching for one missing person in the water, approximately five miles south of Breezy Point. Five people were recovered Sunday afternoon from a sinking vessel.” The search effort will be conducted using all resources available by the agency.
The Future
A comprehensive investigation into the incident will follow this tragic event. The Coast Guard will also continue to search for missing persons, in the hope of a successful outcome, despite difficult circumstances.