A tragic boating accident near Breezy Point has resulted in the loss of three lives, with one person still missing and two others hospitalized after a boat capsized in the Ambrose Channel on Sunday. The incident, which occurred southeast of Breezy Point, has left the community in shock and mourning as search and rescue efforts continue.
The U.S. Coast Guard received reports of a “vessel in distress” and a “sinking boat” with individuals in the water at around 12:04 p.m. Coast Guard crews quickly responded to the scene, where four of the five people recovered were unresponsive. Despite administering CPR to some of the victims, the authorities were unable to save three individuals who tragically lost their lives.
Two of the survivors were airlifted to Staten Island University Hospital for immediate medical attention, while three others were taken to the Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook. Emergency medical personnel were on standby to provide necessary medical care to those in need.
As the search for the missing individual continues, multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard, NYPD, FDNY, and New Jersey State Police, are working tirelessly to locate the remaining person. The Sandy Hook Pilots have also joined the rescue operation, highlighting the collaborative efforts of various organizations in times of crisis.
The boating accident took place approximately five miles southeast of Breezy Point, a picturesque neighborhood at the tip of Queens’ Rockaway Peninsula. The Coast Guard, upon receiving notification from New York City 911 operators about a vessel in distress, immediately dispatched three rescue boats and an MH-65 helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City to the scene.
At this time, the identities of the victims have not been released, as authorities work to notify their families and loved ones. The Ambrose Channel, where the tragic incident unfolded, serves as the primary shipping channel in and out of the Port of New York and New Jersey, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District.
This developing story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can accompany recreational activities on the water. As the community grapples with this devastating loss, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. The efforts of the search and rescue teams are commendable, showcasing the unwavering dedication of first responders in times of crisis.
