Rescue teams, led by the Coast Guard, were alerted to the emergency on Sunday afternoon after New York City 911 operators reported a vessel taking on water near Breezy Point, Queens. The Coast Guard swiftly mobilized its resources, joining forces with New York police, fire units, and New Jersey State Police to respond to the incident.
During the initial response, five individuals were retrieved from the frigid waters and rushed to nearby hospitals. Regrettably, three of these individuals were pronounced dead, according to NYPD Detective Arthur Tsui. One person remains in critical condition, while another is currently stable.
In the aftermath of the rescue operation, efforts continue as crews search by both air and sea for another person who is still unaccounted for. The urgency of the search is underscored by the perilously low water temperatures in the area, recorded at 36 degrees early Monday, as per NOAA data.
Investigations are underway to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic event, with authorities actively collecting information. The NYPD is spearheading this investigation, seeking to piece together the events that culminated in this tragic loss of life.
As efforts persist in locating the missing person, the community remains hopeful for a positive outcome in this dire situation. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of maritime activities.
