Water emergency strikes Centre Island as an 18-year-old male and a 19-year-old male went boating on a 25’ sailboat. According to the Public Information Office, the incident happened on Monday, May 15, 2023, at 11:30 pm.
Reports have it that the 19-year-old male fell into the water and his 18-year-old companion was unable to locate him. He then reached out to another friend who was onshore, and together with two other males, they took a boat and located the sailboat with the 18-year-old, but they could not find the missing male.
A search operation was launched by several agencies, including The Nassau County Police Marine Bureau, Nassau County Police Emergency Services, Nassau County Police Aviation Bureau, NYPD Aviation Bureau, US Coast Guard, Oyster Bay Constable, Bayville Fire Department, and the Oyster Bay Fire Department. However, they were unable to locate the missing male.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in due course. Water safety experts advise that all boaters should wear life jackets at all times while on the water, and they should inform someone of their itinerary before setting out.
The incident is a reminder of the importance of safety while engaging in water-related activities, particularly as summer approaches. It is also a sobering reminder of how quickly things can go wrong, emphasizing the need to be vigilant and prepared at all times.