Coast Guard Station Eaton’s Neck rescues mariner in distress

NEW YORK - Coast Guard Station Eaton’s Neck rescued a mariner in distress today near Northport Bay, N.Y.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound received notification from Station Eaton’s Neck of a small sailing vessel reported as being in distress in the proximity of Northport Bay, N.Y. The 14-foot vessel flipped numerous times and the mariner was having difficulty keeping it upright.

Station Eaton’s Neck quickly launched and arrived on the scene ten minutes later. The mariner was brought aboard the Coast Guard vessel and was found to be wearing a life jacket and a wetsuit. The mariner did not seek medical attention and was in good condition.

“After a few attempts of trying to right his boat, he became exhausted. It could have happened to anybody,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Swieciki, a boatswain’s mate at Station Eaton’s Neck. “Because of the time of the year, if it were a different scenario and he wasn’t wearing the proper stuff, he could have gotten hypothermic with the distance he would have had to swim to shore. He was very well-prepared and had everything he needed.”

Hempstead Bay Harbormaster took the vessel in tow and the subject was transferred to their vessel. The mariner and his vessel were transported safely to the Center Point Yacht Club.