BFD makes rescue in the Great South Bay

Suffolk County Police Department also responded along with Fire Department Rescue Boats from Sayville and Patchogue. Two teenage boys were in the water next to the capsized sailboat.

The S.C.P.D. made at least two attempts over a period of approximately ten minutes to right the boat with the assistance of the two boys, both of whom were in and out of the water several times. Many failed attempts were made by both boys to right the overturned boat themselves in the rough water and heavy wind. It was apparent that the boys were getting tired and cold.

Bayport FD Rescue Boat 3–14–26 circled the scene and prepared to assist if necessary. Bayport Fire Department Rescue Swimmer, Mike Zigrosser was already dressed in a special insulated rescue suit and prepared to enter the water at anytime if needed. Capt. Jerry Dietz stationed as the Rescue Swimmers Tender and Assistant was on board and prepared to assist Fireman Zigrosser if an in-water rescue operation needed to take place. S.C.P.D. made an additional attempt to right the sailboat by once again tying a line to their boat and the overturned sailboat pulling it into and across the waves. Both boys were back in the water when the sailboat was righted by S.C.P.D.

One boy jumped into the boat at that time. The sailboat now under sail in the heavy winds took off toward the Northeast with the wind at a speed of approximately 20–25 knots. The second boy was unable to get on the sailboat fast enough and therefore, remained behind in the water. S.C.P.D. made their way to the boy in the water to pull him to safety into their boat.

Bayport FD Rescue Boat 3–14–26 was brought to full power to chase after the sailboat which had one boy on it’s trampoline deck, out of control and traveling at a high rate of speed. The boy had no steering control and was having considerable difficulty remaining on the runaway sailboat as it pounded over breaking waves at a high rate of speed to the Northeast. He fell off the sailboat and was dragged in the water behind it by a loose rope from the sailboat. Obviously the boy was exhausted and very weak as the water covered his head several times, he then lost his grip as the boat continued on it’s own with the boy in the water.

Boat Operator Fireman Barry Lipsky said “I immediately pulled the Rescue boat 3–14–26 four feet to the windward side of the boy in the water. He was taking water over his head from the breaking waves and was obviously exhausted”. Rescue Swimmer Mike Zigrosser and Capt. Jerry Dietz rescued the boy from the water and secured him in our boat. The unmanned sailboat traveled on its own until it crashed against the rocks at the end of Fairview Avenue in Bayport.

Boaters are reminded not to operate boats in extremely windy or poor weather conditions. Especially in poor weather, all persons on board should be wearing life preservers and should know how to operate their boat properly. They should be very aware of and not exceed the capabilities of the boat that they are operating. 

by Firefighter Barry Lipsky

Boat Operator Fireman Barry Lipsky said “I immediately pulled the Rescue boat 3–14–26 four feet to the windward side of the boy in the water. He was taking water over his head from the breaking waves and was obviously exhausted”. Rescue Swimmer Mike Zigrosser and Capt. Jerry Dietz rescued the boy from the water and secured him in our boat. The unmanned sailboat traveled on its own until it crashed against the rocks at the end of Fairview Avenue in Bayport.

Boaters are reminded not to operate boats in extremely windy or poor weather conditions. Especially in poor weather, all persons on board should be wearing life preservers and should know how to operate their boat properly. They should be very aware of and not exceed the capabilities of the boat that they are operating.