New Captain Takes Helm At Eastern LI Sea Tow

SOUTHOLD, NY — The next chapter of Sea Tow Eastern Long Island is set to unfold as a new owner takes the helm and steers the business into its future.

Capt. Brian Becker recently took the proverbial dock lines; Becker first joined the Southold franchise in 1997 and worked with Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer, the founder of the business who passed away in 2015, leaving a rich legacy after years of striving tirelessly to save lives.

Frohnhoefer first established Sea Tow in Southold in 1983; the company provides assistance to mariners in need of help in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Members are provided with a 24/7 direct connection with Coast Guard-licensed captains; the concept, created by Frohnhoefer, was established in Southold when the United States Coast Guard ceased response to non-emergency assistance calls, Sea Tow said.

In 1997, a release said, Becker walked into the Sea Tow office in Southold and asked Frohnhoefer what he needed to do to work there.

"After Becker walked out, Capt. Joe said to Capt. Bill Barker, who was his partner at the time, 'We’ll never see him again.' But three months later, Capt. Becker walked back in and handed over his newly-minted captain’s license and soon became the newest member of the Sea Tow team. Little did Capt. Becker know that 23 years later he would walk into the same office as its owner/operator," the release said.

Becker recently purchased the Southold franchise from Barker.

But, Becker said he also feels fortunate that Barker, who is not ready to completely retire yet, is staying on.

“Working under Capt. Joe and Capt. Bill was a great education and he’ll be around for a while longer assisting us as needed,” said Becker. “Capt. Joe taught me early on to keep a smile on my face, stay professional at all times and try my best to help everyone. Capt. Bill also led by example and is still a great help to me. When I’m faced with a tough situation, I often ask myself, 'How would Bill handle this?'”

Becker has a crew of four captains and will be adding others later this year. The eastern Long Island Sea Tow fleet includes Sea Tow I, a 24-foot Privateer, which was the first towboat Capt. Joe ever used, more than 35 years ago.

“We’ve gotten to be good friends with our long-time customers,” Becker added. “And they’ve frequently expressed how much we’ve improved their boating experience, knowing we are standing by 24/7 ready to assist when they need it.”

The pandemic also sparked an uptick in boating on the East End and across the board, with 2021 shaping up to reflect the same trend. “My crew and I will do everything in our power to make our members feel comfortable on the water. I know Capt. Joe is looking down and smiling as we carry on the work he began," he said.