Boat Operator Sought After Device Detonates On Fox Island: PD

FOX ISLAND, NY — Suffolk County Police are seeking the public's help to identify and locate the operator of a vessel, who was seen leaving after an unspecified device detonated and formed a crater on Fox Island.

Police said at about 11 a.m. Sunday, they received multiple 911 calls reporting a loud noise. Marine Bureau officers then located a crater, 4-feet wide by 2-feet deep, at about 11:40 a.m. off the coast of Lindenhurst on Fox Island. The crater appears to have been created when the device was detonated, police said, and there were no injuries reported. Residents from Lindenhurst to as far north at Huntington reported that they heard a loud boom or felt their home shake at the time of explosion.

The operator of a vessel seen leaving the area at the time of the detonation, police said. The boat is described as having stripes.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the Arson Section at 631-852-6024 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.