News

Police rescue Cutchogue boater from Peconic Bay

A 79-year-old Cutchogue man was saved from a sinking boat after it began taking on water from the wake of several larger boats in Peconic Bay, Southampton Town Police said.

James Ray called 911 after the boat began taking water just south of Robins Island about 11:30 p.m., police said. Bay Constables soon found the 1983, 17′ Grady White outboard vessel and its sole occupant, Mr. Ray.

Mr. Ray told police the boat took on the water from the waves, but its bilge pump was not working and the vessel began to founder. When police arrived, the water was up to the boat’s gunwales or the edge of the boat.

Mr. Ray, who police said was wearing a life preserver, was ferried to shore. Bay Constables towed the boat to shallow water where the water was bailed out.

Police are reminding boaters to wear life preservers.