Crime & Safety

Fire Department, Bay Constables Aid Stranded Boater

Sailboat eventually beached in Old Field.

The Setauket Fire Department and Town of Brookhaven bay constables helped rescue a boater who was unable to control his 25-foot sailboat amid high tides and strong winds off the shores of Old Field shortly after 3 p.m. on Thursday.

"The gentleman couldn't get off the boat," fire chief Brendan Brown said. "It was tied up in some sort of debris."

The boat eventually beached itself and the boater, who was wearing a life jacket, was taken to Stony Brook University Medical Center for evaluation.

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According to Brown, the boater had a cell phone on board, which he used to call for assistance, but which dropped the call multiple times. He was finally able to convey his location to rescuers by describing the closest homes he could see.


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