Ferry Captain, Crew Honored For Saving 6 People From Sinking Boat

GREAT SOUTH BAY, NY — In just 15 minutes, three ferry employees quickly reacted to use their skills to save six people from the Great South Bay last month. Now, the ferry captain and crew are being honored for the heroic rescue.

Captain Luke Kaufman, along with deckhands Anthony Celano and Kayla Brabender, sprang into action after spotting the boat, which had taken on water. Brabender had just completed her training two days prior to the rescue.

"Families make cherished memories traveling to Fire Island each summer, and we are grateful to their crews for keeping ferry passengers and all those enjoying the water safe," Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter said. "To Dave Anderson and his incredible team, we thank you for what you do each and every day."

In just 15 minutes, the ferry crew members were able to respond to the people in the boat and help them safely return to shore, alongside the U.S. Coast Guard.

"We train for this all the time. I am glad that we could have been there at that particular moment, because I think had we not come upon that scene when we did, there probably would have been a different outcome," Kaufman said.

The trio were honored during a recent award ceremony which was attended by Carpenter, Town Councilman John Cochrane, Jr., New York State Senator Phil Boyle and members of the US Coast Guard.