| At 3:51 this morning the Mastic Beach Fire Department was activated along with the Marine Incident Response Team (MIRT) to assist the United States Coast Guard with a vessel that had run aground in the Atlantic Ocean west of Moriches Inlet.
The 31-foot Boston Whaler was returning from a fishing trip with four occupants aboard when it struck a sandbar.
While responding, fire department marine units communicated with U.S. Coast Guard Long Island Sound to coordinate rescue efforts. Marine units from the Center Moriches, Mastic, East Moriches, and Eastport fire departments arrived on scene within minutes and found the vessel listing dangerously, with ocean waves striking its side. The Mastic Beach Fire Department also deployed support vehicles to the outer beach to assist with the operation.
A rescue swimmer from the Center Moriches Fire Department was deployed into the ocean and crossed the sandbar to make contact with the vessel. All four occupants were evaluated, and no injuries were reported.
With an approaching storm and changing sea conditions, three of the four occupants were removed from the vessel as a precaution. The captain elected to remain aboard while awaiting Sea Tow’s arrival to assist in freeing the boat from the sandbar.
This response reflects the ongoing training, teamwork, and professionalism of the Marine Incident Response Team and our partners in the United States Coast Guard. Through regular training and close coordination, MIRT members remain prepared to respond at a moment’s notice and assist our maritime community when help is needed most.
Center Moriches Fire Department Marine 26 was back in service at 5:46 a.m. |
