The U.S. Coast Guard recently conducted a thrilling nighttime rescue operation in the waters off Long Island. A yacht without power was tossed in waves reaching up to 12 feet, with four people on board trapped. They were ultimately successfully rescued using a basket from a helicopter, and fortunately, no one was injured.
The Coast Guard reported that the incident occurred on the evening of the 4th (Saturday) around 5:45 p.m. A 42-foot vessel named “Proudfoot” lost power in the waters approximately 3 miles southwest of Moriches Inlet in Suffolk County. It then floated in the rough sea conditions.
Due to high winds, rough waves, and low visibility at the time, local authorities and rescue personnel were unable to approach the vessel for rescue. Even the Coast Guard’s on-duty personnel from the Long Island Sound sector had dispatched a boat to assist but had to turn back midway due to worsening sea conditions.
At around 8:30 p.m., the Coast Guard dispatched an MH-60T “Jayhawk” helicopter from Cape Cod to the scene. Video footage released depicted the yacht rocking violently in the pitch-black sea amidst huge waves. The crew slowly lowered the metal rescue basket onto the vessel, lifting two men and two women onto the helicopter one by one, successfully rescuing them.
By 9:42 p.m., all four individuals were safely evacuated from the scene and later transported to Gabreski Airport for examination by on-site medical personnel to confirm that they had not sustained any injuries.
It was reported that the yacht washed ashore the next morning near Democrat Point at Fire Island. Local authorities confirmed that the vessel remained intact.
Lieutenant Jonathan Roth from the Coast Guard, who participated in the rescue operation, emphasized the importance of safety equipment for maritime travel. Reliable communication devices and basic gear like life jackets are crucial in ensuring the rescue of crew members and passengers in various weather conditions.