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‘Like a missile on the water’ — Rescuers recount boating accident

Garrett Moore took this photo right before boarding the runaway cigarette boat.
Garrett Moore took this photo right before boarding the runaway cigarette boat.

Police said the boat’s other passengers were: Justin Shakir, 31, and Derek Chokas, 32, both of Manchester, Conn.; Clint Shakir, 28, of Chaplin, Conn.; Christopher Ginelewicz, 45, of Newington, Conn.; and Michael Massi, 45, of Southington, Conn.

One passenger suffered rib injuries and each passenger showed symptoms of hypothermia, police said. They were treated and released at the scene by Greenport firefighters. Southold Town and Shelter Island bay constables also assisted in rescue efforts, police said. No charges were filed.

All ferry and other boat traffic was halted during the response to the crash.

Despite initial reports from officials that the speed boat hit a wake and the men were wearing life jackets, witnesses said the occupants didn’t have life jackets on and that the accident occurred because the driver had been “showboating” by speeding and swerving quickly side to side.

Although the boat and its passengers were both dropped off at the dock, Mr. O’Halloran, who is also a former North Ferry boat captain, and Mr. Moore didn’t meet until Tuesday, after they were requested by The Suffolk Times to take part in a joint interview at Mitchell Park Marina.

There, both shared stories about how they’ve been involved with other rescue efforts.

Mr. O’Halloran and his cousins involved with Monday’s rescue saved a man’s life in California after he crashed a John Deere Gator utility vehicle, he said.

As for Mr. Moore, not only did he retrieve a stranger’s unmanned jet ski a few years ago, he also helped rescue a 57-year-old woman from drowning in the Peconic River in April 2012.

Both East Enders said they were grateful no one was seriously hurt during Monday’s accident and believe the situation could have quickly turned tragic.

“It’s always different,” Mr. O’Halloran said about rescue efforts. “Each one makes you better the next time.”

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