A routine Sunday on Smithtown Bay quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency when an 18-foot center console capsized near Cranes Neck, prompting a rapid response by Town of Smithtown Department of Public Safety Harbormasters who safely rescued the stranded operator.
Shortly before noon on August 9, the harbormasters were notified of a vessel in distress in Smithtown Bay, in the vicinity of Cranes Neck. Initial reports indicated that the vessel was taking on water. Within moments, the incident was upgraded to a capsized vessel with a person in the water.
Harbormasters George Ronan and Don Edwards immediately responded to the location, where they discovered the overturned 18-foot center console and its operator clinging to the hull.
Acting quickly, Ronan and Edwards maneuvered the town patrol boat alongside the capsized vessel and safely extricated the operator, bringing him aboard their vessel and out of danger.
The boater was evaluated by medics from the Stony Brook Fire Department and declined further medical treatment. He was transported safely back to the Roger Balducci Marina without injury.
The overturned vessel was subsequently righted by Sea Tow and towed back to the marina.
Town officials credited the harbormasters’ swift response, training and calm execution with preventing what could have quickly become a tragedy on the water.
“When an emergency unfolds on the water, every second matters,” said Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “Harbormasters Ronan and Edwards demonstrated tremendous courage, professionalism and sound judgment when it mattered most. They immediately put their training into action, reached this boater in distress and brought him safely aboard before a dangerous situation could become a tragedy. Their actions are a tremendous example of the dedication and bravery our Department of Public Safety brings to protecting residents and visitors every single day.”
The town’s Public Safety Chief, Tom Lohmann, pointed to how this rescue demonstrates exactly why continuous training and preparedness are essential for personnel charged with protecting Smithtown’s waterways.
“Our harbormasters train extensively for emergencies exactly like this, because conditions on the water can change in an instant,” Lohmann said. “Harbormasters Ronan and Edwards responded without hesitation, quickly assessed a dangerous situation and executed the rescue safely and professionally. Their actions Sunday are a testament to their training, experience and commitment to protecting the public. I could not be prouder of the way they represented this department.”