Fisherman Swept Into Bay, Unable To Swim To Shore, Saved: Cops

ORIENT, NY — A fisherman caught up in the current and unable to swim to shore was saved early Wednesday morning, police said.

According to Southold Town Police, Jesse Gordon, 47, of Orient, was walking out at the Orient Point sandbar off Point Road in Orient at 2:11 a.m. to go surf fishing when two large waves came and swept him into the bay. He got caught in the current, was pulled away from the beach, and was unable to swim back, police said.

Gordon was able to contact Southold police on his cell phone, authorities said.

Southold bay constables, the Orient Fire Department, as well as rescuers from Plum Island and representatives from the Cross Sound Ferry were all notified and responded, police said.

The Orient Fire Department dispatched their fireboat and was able to find Gordon about 500 yards south of the point, police said. He was pulled out of the water by first responders from the fire department and brought back to shore; he refused medical attention, police said.