At least three people lost their lives, and one person remains missing after a boating accident near Staten Island on Sunday afternoon. The vessel, a 30-foot fiberglass Grady-White boat, was on a recreational fishing trip when it overturned in the Ambrose Channel. This area serves as the main shipping channel into the Port of New York and New Jersey, off the coasts of Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and the New York City boroughs of Staten Island and Queens.
Multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard, NYPD, New York City Fire Department, and New Jersey State Police, responded to the distress call. They pulled five individuals from the frigid waters; tragically, four were unresponsive. The water temperature was recorded at approximately 37 degrees on Monday, a factor contributing to the risk of hypothermia, which can occur in waters below 70 degrees, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The search for Vernon Glasford, the missing individual, extended over 30 hours and spanned about 842 square miles. Despite deploying three aircrews, four boat crews, and two ships, efforts to locate Glasford proved unsuccessful. On Monday at around 6 p.m., the Coast Guard announced the suspension of the search.
"The decision to suspend a search is always difficult. Though our active search has ended, our support and sympathy remain with all those impacted by this tragic incident." – Capt. Jonathan Andrechik, the Coast Guard Sector New York commander.
Emergency responders transported three of the rescued individuals to Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey. Two others were taken to Staten Island University Hospital – North Campus in Staten Island, New York. Among them, one person remains in critical condition while another is reported to be in stable condition.
The unfortunate event underscores the inherent dangers of maritime activities, particularly when temperatures drop significantly. The Coast Guard and other agencies emphasize the importance of safety protocols and preparedness to mitigate risks during such recreational outings.
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