| Just before 1:30 p.m., the Center Moriches Fire Department and the Marine Incident Response Team were alerted following a VHF radio transmission reporting a vessel in distress in the Atlantic Ocean, just south of Moriches Inlet.
Under the command of the Westhampton Beach Fire Department, fire department marine units responded through Moriches Inlet and began canvassing the area, checking vessels to ensure that everyone was safe.
Vessel traffic was extremely heavy throughout the area due to the annual Long Island Regatta taking place this weekend. Fire department marine units worked alongside a U.S. Coast Guard small boat crew from Station Shinnecock to check vessels operating in the area and confirm that no one was in danger or required assistance.
After approximately 45 minutes, it was determined that no vessel or occupants were in distress. All marine units were released and returned to service without incident.
The Marine Incident Response Team remains ready at a moment’s notice to assist our marine community, working together with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Suffolk County Police Department Marine Bureau to help keep our local waterways safe. |
