Fire Island, NY - May 1, 2017 - Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers rescued seven people after their boat ran aground on the beach and struck a sand dune on Fire Island on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 12:24 a.m.
Nelson Briggs was traveling with six friends in a 21-foot Mako center console outboard boat from Carmans River in Brookhaven toward Sayville when the vessel ran aground and struck a sand dune 50 yards west of the entrance to the Watch Hill Marina on Fire Island at 12:24 a.m. One of the passengers, Abbey Ferrigno, 21, of Brookhaven, suffered a leg injury as a result of the crash.
A 21-foot outboard boat from Brookhaven ran aground and struck a sand dune west of the entrance to the Watch Hill Marina on Fire Island at 12:24 a.m. Photo Credit: SCPD
A family member of one of the passengers called 911 and Marine Bureau Officers John Mullins, Dale Kelly and Charles Giardella responded aboard Marine X-Ray, and Sergeant John Vahey responded aboard Marine Golf. Upon arrival, officers located the victims and administered first aid to Ferrigno, transporting her to a police helicopter, and she was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital.
One of the passengers suffered a leg injury as a result of the crash. The other five passengers all refused medical attention. Photo Credit: SCPD
Briggs, 23, of Brookhaven, and the other five passengers all refused medical attention. They were transported to Sandspit Marina in Patchogue.
The Suffolk County Police Department Marine Bureau would like to remind boaters to become familiar with the area they plan to travel, especially when operating at night. Boaters should carry a Marine VHF radio as well as a cell phone to call 911 for the quickest response.