Officers Rescue Man After Boat Overturns In Heavy Seas

BABYLON, NY - Officers rescued a man from the Fire Island Inlet after his boat overturned in heavy seas on Tuesday afternoon, according to Suffolk Police.

Greg Antolini, 54, of Babylon was returning from a fishing trip on his 26 foot Everglades boat, traveling through the Fire Island Inlet at about 3 p.m. when the boat rolled over in eight to ten foot breaking seas during poor weather conditions.

Marine Bureau officer Erik Johnson was patrolling the oceanfront at Democrat Point on Fire Island when he spotted the overturned hull of a boat in the inlet and notified dispatch.

The Suffolk County Police Department immediately dispatched a police helicopter and two rescue boats to the area. The US Coast Guard was also notified.

The police helicopter arrived and found both the overturned boat and Antolini, who was clinging to a life jacket.

The helicopter crew hovered near Antolini to guide rescuers.

Marine Charlie, crewed by Sergeant John Vahey and Lieutenant Edward Mulroy, transited the inlet and recovered Antolini from the water and immediately rendered first aid.

They then brought him through the inlet to US Coast Guard Station Fire Island, where they were met by the helicopter and flight medic.

Antolini was then transported by Suffolk Police Helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of hypothermia.

The sea temperature was 57 degrees, and a Small Craft Warning was in effect at the time of the incident.

Image via Suffolk Police