By Hank Russell
The bodies of two kayakers were recovered in Southampton over two days.
According to the Southampton Town Police Department, on November 1 at 8:44 p.m., Shane Garcia, 27, was reported missing by his girlfriend, who said he had gone kayaking earlier in the day and had not returned. Patrol Units found Garcia’s work van parked at the end of Shinnecock Avenue in Hampton Bays.
Garcia sent a picture to his girlfriend of himself and his friend Aaron Montemarano, 25, while kayaking in Shinnecock Bay near Ponquogue Bridge.
On November 2 and 3, the New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team (URT) in Troop L assisted the Town of Southampton Police Department in searching for two missing kayakers in Shinnecock Bay. As part of the search, the team conducted SONAR and dive operations in the bay.
The Southampton Town Police CRU Units and Drone Unit were also searching the area using drones and ATVs as well as a Suffolk County Helicopter. On November 2, NYSP and Southampton Town Marine Patrol Units located an area of interest. NYSP divers searched the area and recovered Garcia’s body. Montemarro’s body was found on November 3.
The Town of Southampton Police Department is continuing the investigation.