Authorities are currently conducting a search for Vernon Glasford, a 52-year-old man, who has been identified as the sixth passenger after a distressing boating incident occurred near Breezy Point on Sunday afternoon. Glasford was last recognized wearing a gray hoody, a pair of blue jeans, and black boots. The unfortunate maritime occurrence has resulted in three fatalities so far. Two other individuals have been hospitalized due to the incident, the hospital reports one is in critical condition and the other is stable.
The mishap involved an around 30-foot Grady-White powerboat, which reportedly set sail from Howard Beach on Sunday morning for a recreational fishing day trip. As per reports released by the US Coast Guard and the NYPD, the boat started experiencing difficulties in the water, leading to the boat’s eventual capsizing. The water’s thermal reading in the vicinity of the search was about 38 degrees, just marginally above freezing, presenting challenging conditions.
Rescue efforts were coordinated amongst different units on Sunday: Four individuals were initially recovered from the water, but they were found to be non-responsive. The recovery operations involved a boat crew from Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook, an air crew from Air Station Atlantic City, and an aviation crew from the NYPD. They successfully managed to rescue a total of five people.
The person reported to be in stable condition is currently hospitalized and is responsive. The Coast Guard anticipates discussing the circumstances leading to the accident with this individual. Efforts are also being made in collaboration with the NYPD to establish the identities of the victims, locate their families, and inform them accordingly, as per an agency source.
The distressful event was first reported at 12:04 p.m. on Sunday when the Coast Guard Sector New York, located in Ft. Wadsworth, received a distress call from the New York City 911 operators. They were informed about a vessel facing potential danger due to excessive water intake near Breezy Point, a neighborhood situated at the edge of Queens’ Rockaway peninsula.
Upon receiving the notification, the Coast Guard initiated an urgent marine information broadcast and mobilized three rescue boats for the task. The boats were dispatched from Coast Guard Station New York and Station Sandy Hook in New Jersey. Additionally, an MH-65 helicopter from the Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City in New Jersey was also assigned to the rescue operation.
Throughout the night and the subsequent morning, a concerted search operation was carried out by three aircrews, two small boat crews, and two ships belonging to the Coast Guard. A diverse range of Coast Guard units were actively involved in the rescue operation. These include Coast Guard Station New York; Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook, New Jersey; Coast Guard Cutter William Chadwick; Coast Guard Cutter Bonito; and the air stations located in Atlantic City and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
In addition to the Coast Guard’s resources, significant assistance was provided by the NYPD Harbor and Aviation units and FDNY Marine units. The operation was a combined effort involving multiple agencies, including the New Jersey State Police and Sandy Hook Pilots. All units worked in unison to manage the severe situation.
Sadly, three of the people pulled from the waters were declared deceased. The NYPD spokesperson revealed that among the survivors, one is battling critical conditions while another individual is reported to have stable vitals. The entire occurrence has created a ripple in the local community.
Glasford, the man missing from the boating accident, is under an ongoing search conducted by the multiple agencies. The teams are relentlessly combing the area near Breezy Point, facing harsh conditions due to the cold water temperatures.
The situation underlines the potential risks associated with maritime activities, particularly when the water temperature hovers near freezing point. The group’s trip, initially aimed at day-long recreational fishing, unfolded into an unfortunate tragedy. The authorities are making untiring efforts towards mitigating the situation.
Not only are the rescue operations in progress, but investigative measures are also being taken to understand the reasons behind the boat capsizing. The Coast Guard, in consultation with the NYPD, aims at identifying the sequence of events leading to this mishap.
The person who survived the accident and is currently in stable condition can provide valuable information about the incident. The Coast Guard is hoping to have a conversation with this individual to piece together the event’s chronology and possibly gain insights into the cause.
Identifying the victims and notifying the bereaved families are also tasks of utmost importance. The Coast Guard and the NYPD are conducting this in the most sensitive and respectful manner possible.
The conjoined efforts of all the participating agencies is commendable. In these challenging times, they are working tirelessly to bring a degree of closure to the families involved and to the local community shocked by the dramatic event that unfolded on Sunday.