A tragic boating accident unfolded on Sunday in the waters between Queens and Staten Island, leaving four people dead, one hospitalized, and one person still missing. According to officials, the U.S. Coast Guard is continuing its search for the missing individual as investigations into the incident continue.
Rescue Efforts Near Breezy Point
The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted just after noon on Sunday about a vessel taking on water near Breezy Point. In response, rescue teams, including divers, helicopters, and units from the FDNY and NYPD, were dispatched to the area.
Five individuals were pulled from the water, but four of them were found unresponsive. Two victims were airlifted to Staten Island University Hospital, while the others were transported to Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook for emergency treatment. Despite rescue efforts, four people were pronounced dead, and one survivor remains in stable condition.
Cold Water Likely Contributed to the Tragedy
Even though air temperatures were warming up over the weekend, the water temperature remained dangerously cold—hovering in the mid-30s (Fahrenheit).
Roy Scott, a marine surveyor and former U.S. Coast Guard inspector, highlighted the dangers of cold-water immersion:
“If these people went into the water in these temperatures, I can’t picture them really lasting more than maybe 10 minutes max before going into hypothermia.”
The chilling water temperatures are believed to have played a significant role in the rapid deterioration of the victims’ conditions.
A Fishing Trip Turns Tragic
The family of 50-year-old Cecilio Adames confirmed that the group of men had set out on a fishing trip when the tragedy occurred. Adames’ wife, Francisca Adames, recounted her last conversation with him:
“I called him at 10 o’clock in the morning and asked if everything was OK. He said, ‘It’s a lot of wind. Everything is dangerous.’”
She added that she was relieved their daughter hadn’t accompanied him that day, as she often did. Tragically, the boat was reportedly around 25 miles offshore when it disappeared from contact.
Adames’ daughter, Alisha Adames, remembered her father as a selfless man:
“He’s that man, and everybody will remember him as that man. Because he always risked his life trying to help other people.”
Investigation Ongoing
The U.S. Coast Guard and the NYPD are currently investigating the cause of the boat’s sinking. Factors such as high winds and dangerous water conditions are believed to have contributed to the incident.
Officials have not yet released the names of the other victims or the missing individual, pending family notifications.
Safety Reminders for Boaters
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of boating in cold weather. Experts recommend:
- Always checking weather conditions before heading out.
- Wearing life jackets and appropriate cold-water gear.
- Informing someone on land about your trip details.
- Carrying emergency communication devices such as radios or distress beacons.
