Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating after human remains were discovered inside a submerged vehicle near the Cedar Beach boat ramp in Mt. Sinai.
Two volunteer search-and-recovery organizations, Explorers with a Mission and Adventures with Purpose, were using side-scan sonar equipment on June 30 around 5 p.m. when they detected a submerged PT Cruiser in the waters near the popular ramp.
Divers from the organizations entered the water and located what appeared to be a human bone inside the vehicle. The bone was brought to the surface, and the group contacted 911 at approximately 7:43 p.m.
The Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau responded to the scene and conducted an initial search of the vehicle. However, the search was suspended around 9 p.m. due to poor water conditions. Efforts resumed on July 1, and divers recovered additional human remains from inside the car.
A crane provided by Murphy’s Marine Services in Port Jefferson was used to lift the vehicle from the water. It was transported to shore for further examination.
The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office will work to determine the identity of the remains and establish an official cause of death.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Suffolk County Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.