NEW YORK – Coast Guard responded to six people in the water south of Rockaway Beach, N.Y., Saturday.
The Coast Guard Sector New York Command Center received a mayday distress call at approximately 10:45 a.m. from a Good Samaritan that six people went into the water when their vessel began taking on water and capsized.
Rescue boat crews from Station Jones Beach, and Station Sandy Hook, N.J., along with New York and Nassau County Police marine and aviation units, responded to the distress.
“Life jackets are proven to help save lives, whether your vessel capsizes, you fall overboard, or may be unconscious,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory Nussbaum, officer of the day at Station Jones Beach. “The important thing is to remember to wear your lifejacket at all times and ensure everyone aboard your vessel knows how to respond to emergencies.”
The cause of the capsized vessel is under investigation.
Boat crews from Coast Guard Stations Jones Beach and Sandy Hook respond to six people in the water south of Rockaway Beach, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2012. The vessel began taking on water and capsized. U.S. Coast Guard photo.