LONG ISLAND, NY – June 29, 2020 – According to an online news report on DailyVoice.com, a man from Long Island tragically lost his life in a two-boat accident. The boating accident occurred on Sunday, June 28 at around 2:45 p.m. in a Great South Bay channel just south of Babylon, New York. According to Suffolk […]
Fatal two-boat crash
LONG ISLAND, NY – June 29, 2020 – According to an online news report on DailyVoice.com, a man from Long Island tragically lost his life in a two-boat accident. The boating accident occurred on Sunday, June 28 at around 2:45 p.m. in a Great South Bay channel just south of Babylon, New York.
According to Suffolk County Police, a 58-year-old-man from Farmingdale, New York, was driving a 17-foot Boston Whaler in West Fox Creek Channel and in a southbound direction. The Boston Whaler struck a 22-foot Activator powerboat moving in a northbound direction. The 22-foot Activator was being operated by a 19-year-old man from Lindenhurst, New York. A 25-year-old man, also from Lindenhurst, who was riding aboard the 22-foot Activator, died at the scene of the accident. The victim was examined by a physician assistant from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s office. The other two boat operators were taken to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, New York. The report states that the two sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were receiving treatment for their injuries at the Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center. Law Enforcement impounded both of the motorboats as part of their investigation of the boating accident.
According to the news story, the location of the boating accident may have contributed to the boating accident. West Fox Creek has numerous S-turns. Suffolk police Detective Lieutenant Shaun stated that the boats might have maneuvered an S-turn at the same time and ended up hitting one another. The Suffolk Police Detective Lieutenant also stated that it appears both boat operators attempted to avoid an accident. However, one of the boats rolled sideways, and the Boston Whaler hit the Activator broadside. The Suffolk Police Detective also stated that speed didn’t appear to be a contributing factor, and the boat operators tested negative for alcohol.
Law enforcement officials on Long Island are pleading for boaters to be careful and to drive safely ahead of the future Fourth of July holiday weekend. The town of Hempstead Officials has stated that the water activity has increased dramatically throughout the past month. Town of Hempstead Bay Constable Inspector Matthew Sohm stated that tow sports like water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing, are especially dangerous. Law enforcement is imploring boaters to wear a life vest at all times. By law, an observer who is 10 years of age or older is required to be watching the individual being towed by the boat.
Both boats were impounded for safety checks.
