Man Dies While Fishing On Vessel Off Montauk Point: Police

MONTAUK, NY — A man died while fishing on a vessel off Montauk Point Tuesday afternoon, police said.

According to East Hampton town police, a death investigation is ongoing following the incident, which took place at 1:42 p.m.

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The man died while fishing aboard a private sport fishing vessel in the Atlantic Ocean, about 130 nautical miles east of Montauk Point, officials said.

East Hampton Town Police and EMS personnel responded to the United States Coast Guard Station Montauk, located on Star Island Road, after a private sport fishing vessel docked at the direction of the Coast Guard, police said.

Earlier that day, at 9:53 a.m., individuals onboard the vessel notified the USCG that a male passenger, Sean R. Smida, 38, of New Jersey, became unconscious while fishing, police said.

Individuals onboard immediately initiated resuscitative efforts while the vessel was en route to the Coast Guard Station, police said.

Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears Smida may have suffered a medical emergency prior to his death, police said.

He was pronounced deceased at the Coast Guard Station by responding emergency personnel, police said.

The cause and manner of death remain have not yet been disclosed, pending the findings of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office, police said.

Based on the preliminary investigation, East Hampton Town police detectives have found no evidence of suspicious circumstances, and foul play is not suspected, police said.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the East Hampton Town Police Department at 631-537-7575.