6 Boaters Saved In Smithtown Bay

SMITHTOWN, NY — Six boaters were rescued from rough waters by Smithtown Bay constables on Tuesday night, according to a news release.

The boaters' 18-foot vessel was pushed into the rocks and began taking on water off the coast of Cranes Neck in Smithtown Bay. Smithtown Public Safety and Suffolk police received a distress call at 9:24 p.m. Five men and one woman were on board.

Smithtown Department of Public Safety Bay constables Daniel Shannon, David Rosenberg and Sergeant Scott Roberts arrived to the vessel, facing 30-knot winds and heavy sea conditions. The bay constables navigated the rocky waters and saved the passengers from the disabled vessel, bringing them aboard the Smithtown patrol boat.

"This could have been a terrible tragedy," Supervisor Edward Wehrheim said in the release. "However, the fast action, bravery and the professional skill set of Sergeant Scott Roberts, Bay Constables Daniel Shannon, and David Rosenberg altered the evening's conclusion. I’d also like to formally extend our praises and gratitude to the Suffolk County Police Departments Marine Bureau and Aviation units, in addition to our neighboring first responders at Stony Brook and Setauket Fire Departments. The vital caliber of communication, expertise and partnership that goes into a water rescue, under rough weather conditions like last night, is a true testament to the exceptionalism of our first responders, protecting our community every day."

The six boaters — Ronnie Trejo, Omar Cruz, Jamie Agala, Carlos Alberto, Non Erasmo, and Josue Trejo — were wet and suffering from exposure to the elements. They were immediately returned to the Stony Brook Boat Ramp where EMS crews from the Stony Brook and Setauket fire departments evaluated and treated them.

"[Tuesday] night's incident once again highlighted the level of professionalism of our Bay Constables, the Suffolk County Police and the Volunteer Fire Departments that responded in difficult and dangerous conditions to effect this rescue," Thomas J. Lohmann, Smithtown director of public safety, stated. "This incident could have turned tragic for the victims had it not been for such an effective coordinated response by all agencies involved."