Lobsterman Drowns Off Coast Of Montauk: 'Why My Boy?' Mom Cries

MONTAUK, NY — A Narragansett, RI lobsterman drowned after he fell overboard off the coast of Montauk on Monday, police said.

Tiverton Police Lt. Daniel Raymond said the Coast Guard reported that Justin Zinno, 26, fell overboard and died 75 nautical miles southeast of Montauk. According to a wpri.com post, Tiverton police said Zinno left the port on Main Street aboard the Sakonnet Lobster II.

The incident took place at 4:45 a.m. Monday and he was recovered at 6 a.m. The details of how Zinno went overboard are unclear and an investigation is underway, the post said.

Hearts were broken at the loss of a kind, caring young man who worked hard as a lobsterman.

In an interview with Patch, Lisa Zinno Golding cried as she remembered her nephew. "I am still in shock. He was just the kindest soul. I can't imagine this happening to him," she said. "Something tragic happened out there. Something went horribly wrong."

Zinno's father is devastated, as is his entire family, she said — and those who loved him are left searching for answers about what happened in the dark of night out on the water. Golding said questions, including if he was alone on deck or if he somehow got tangled in the ropes while hauling in the lobster traps, run through her minds.

"He was a beautiful person. He was the hardest worker," she said. Zinno lived with his mother, she said. "Just 26 years old. I can't imagine something like this happening. It's just horrible."

"My handsome nephew ... Gone too soon. It's so unfair," Golding said.

Loved ones remembered Zinno on Facebook: "We were co-workers years ago, he recently stopped by out the blue to say hello and visit," a friend said. "He actually brought me four lobsters, visited and gave me encouraging words about my illness. At the time I was touched by the kindness of it. He was simply a good kindhearted, hardworking man. He should be here and I'm devastated he isn't."

Zinno's devastated mother Karen Darke wrote: "I'm going to miss my boy forever. I'm so devastated. Why my boy?"

Zinno was remembered by one friend as an "easygoing, warmhearted and respectful person."

His grandmother Diane Kennedy said, "Going to miss you so much Justin. A wonderful grandson. So young to be gone so soon. I love you."

The Coast Guard was unable to immediately provide any further details. The Riverton Police Department was on the scene to assist the Coast Guard investigator, police said.