Police Rescue 4 Men Stranded in Long Island Sound During Thunderstorm

NORTHPORT, N.Y. — Officers escorted four men stranded in Long Island Sound in an open boat during Friday night's thunderstorm back to shore after they investigated an unidentified target that came up on radar.

According to Suffolk County Police, Fermin Ortiz, 39, of Brentwood and three other adult male passengers left the Soundview Boat Ramp in Northport shortly before 8 p.m. Friday for a fishing trip.

Their engine became disabled offshore and would not start.

Marine Bureau officers on patrol were operating in zero visibility conditions during a heavy downpour and lightning when they investigated an unidentified target that was spotted on radar. The officers came upon the four men adrift in a 14-foot 1951 Sea Nymph aluminum boat, attempting to re-start the engine.

Ortiz was able to start the engine as officers brought the police boat alongside to tow the vessel to safe harbor. The officers guided and escorted the men back to safety at the Soundview Boat Ramp in Northport.

The men were not injured and did not require medical attention.

"The Suffolk Police Marine Bureau reminds boaters to check the weather forecast before heading out on the water, and make sure that both you and your boat are equipped to handle the forecasted conditions," police said in a statement. "Check your safety equipment before you depart, stay up-to-date with the forecast during your trip, and remain alert for changing weather."

At the time of this incident, the National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning and a tornado watch for the western Long Island Sound.

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