7 Rescued After Boat Runs Aground On Fire Island, Passenger Airlifted To Hospital

Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers rescued seven people after their boat ran aground on the beach and struck a sand dune on Fire Island early Saturday. According to Suffolk Police, 23-year-old Nelson Briggs was traveling with six friends in a 21-foot Mako center console outboard boat from Carmans River in Brookhaven toward Sayville when the vessel ran aground and struck a sand dune 50 yards west of the entrance to the Watch Hill Marina on Fire Island at 12:24 a.m. One of the passengers, Abbey Ferrigno, 21, of Brookhaven, suffered a leg injury as a result of the crash.

A family member of one of the passengers called 911 and Marine Bureau officers John Mullins, Dale Kelly and Charles Giardella responded aboard Marine X-Ray, and Sgt. John Vahey responded aboard Marine Golf, police said.

Upon arrival, officers located the victims and administered first aid to Ferrigno, transporting her to a police helicopter, and she was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital.

Briggs, of Brookhaven, and the other five passengers all refused medical attention. They were transported to Sandspit Marina in Patchogue.

The Suffolk County Police Department Marine Bureau reminded boaters to become familiar with the area they plan to travel, especially when operating at night. Boaters should carry a Marine VHF radio as well as a cellphone to call 911 for the quickest response.