The U.S. Coast Guard’s search for a missing boater, Vernon Glasford, has been suspended after the tragic capsizing of a vessel near the Ambrose Channel entrance close to Breezy Point. Glasford, a 52-year-old resident of the Bronx, was one of six individuals on board when the boat overturned. Despite the efforts of rescue teams who successfully recovered five individuals from the water, Glasford remains unaccounted for. The exhaustive search, spanning over 30 hours and covering an area of approximately 842 square miles, concluded around 6 p.m. as the Coast Guard made the difficult decision to halt operations.
Capt. Jonathan Andrechik, the commander of the Coast Guard Sector New York, expressed his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Vernon Glasford in a statement following the suspension of the search. He emphasized the challenging nature of such decisions, acknowledging the ongoing impact of the tragic incident on all those involved. The collaborative search efforts involved multiple agencies, including the NYPD, FDNY, New Jersey State Police, and Sandy Hook Pilots, who joined forces to locate Glasford after the boat capsized around 12:04 p.m. on Sunday.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Throughout the search mission, which involved helicopters, small boats, cutters, and planes combing the waters, Glasford remained missing. The 30-foot Grady White boat had set off from Howard Beach for a recreational fishing trip earlier in the day before tragedy struck. Despite the valiant efforts of the Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook boat crew, three individuals were rescued and transported to Monmouth Medical Center in New Jersey.
An Air Station Atlantic City helicopter crew successfully retrieved another survivor, while the NYPD aviation team saved the fifth victim, both of whom were brought to Staten Island University Hospital – North Campus for medical attention. Tragically, four of the five rescued individuals were unresponsive when recovered from the water, and at least three have since passed away, according to officials.
Cause of the Incident and Ongoing Investigation
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, questions remain about what led to the tragic event. The Ambrose Channel, a crucial shipping lane that guides vessels into the Port of New York and New Jersey, served as the backdrop for the devastating incident. With water temperatures hovering around 38 degrees during the search operation, the challenging conditions added to the urgency and complexity of the rescue efforts.
Despite the suspension of the search for Vernon Glasford, the investigation into the cause of the capsizing remains ongoing, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. As this story continues to develop, updates may shed further light on the sequence of events and the factors that contributed to the unfortunate outcome.
The Coast Guard’s decision to halt the search for Vernon Glasford marks a somber conclusion to a relentless effort to locate the missing boater following the boat’s capsizing near the Ambrose Channel entrance. As details emerge and investigations progress, the impact of this tragic incident on the community serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with maritime activities and the unwavering dedication of first responders in the face of adversity.
