Officers Rescue Man Stuck in Long Island Sound Waters

Marine Bureau officers rescued a Commack man who became stranded in choppy waters while boating in the Long Island Sound, about a mile and a half north of Eaton's Neck Point, on Sunday afternoon, police say.

According to authorities, 63-year-old Russell Giannotti and his wife anchored their boat to fish when their fishing line became tangled in the boat’s propeller at about 4:30 p.m. Russell went into the water to clear the tangled line and the boarding ladder broke as he attempted to get back on the boat, causing him to become stranded in the water.

His wife threw him a life jacket and a rope and he held onto it for flotation as he was unable to put it on in the water, police say. Russell then became entangled in the rescue rope, causing him to struggle.

A passing boater saw Russell in distress and subsequently called 911 and gave the man’s location to police dispatchers.

Two Marine Bureau vessels, a Suffolk County Police helicopter, the U.S. Coast Guard and Huntington Harbormaster Marine 3 responded to the search area. Marine Bureau officers first responded to the scene and were able to throw a life ring to Russell and pull him aboard the Marine Bravo where he was treated for exposure.

Officers then transported the man to the Soundview Boat Ramp in Northport to meet Northport Fire Department’s rescue personnel. Russell, who suffered exposure and minor abrasions, refused medical attention, police say.

The Huntington Harbormaster towed the boat and Russell and his wife were able to return to Huntington Harbor on their boat without assistance.