Missing Kayaker Identified as NYPD Officer, Smithtown Resident

The Coast Guard is continuing its on the waters of the Nissequogue River Friday evening, identified as New York City police officer Patrick Luca, 41, of Smithtown.

Police began the search for Luca at about 3:30 p.m. after being notified of the missing man when his five-year-old son was pulled from the Nissequogue River by Kings Park residents Kathy and Ted Sandomenico.

The boy, who did not need hospitalization, was in good condition and has been reunited with his mother according to police.

“The boy is doing excellent and is not suffering any ill effects,” said Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau Deputy Insp. Harold Jantzen.

Police spent five hours conducting a water, aerial and 4-wheel-drive vehicle search along the shoreline.

Jantzen said that NYPD was assisting in the search.

At about 8 p.m., two New York City Police helicopters landed in the parking area at the bluff. A truck holding sonar equipment was also brought in.

“NYPD is out here supporting us with any equipment we feel is necessary to advance the search because it involves one of their own,” said Jantzen.

“We are switching from a surface search to one with side scan sonar,” said Jantzen.

Residents held out hope as they waited along the docks at the bluff.

“Thank God the boy was found OK. I just hope they find his father,” said Kings Park resident Margaret Gurlides.

Patrons at the Old Dock Inn watched from the windows as police and rescue vehicles filled the parking lot.

“We’ve seen a lot down here already,” said restaurant manager Sia Koutrakos. “It is a shame that it happened. The town should have some signs up here warning about the currents,” she said.

Officials said that it did not seem that the inflatable kayak that Luca was in had capsized.