Boat Stuck On Rock Leads To Dramatic Rescue As Conditions Deteriorate

RYE, NY — A race to save two boaters stuck in the rocks on the Long Island Sound as conditions deteriorated had a few tense moments, but ultimately a happy ending.

At 8 p.m. on Wednesday, the Rye Fire Department was called to the scene of a boat stuck on the rocks near the American Yacht Club. Incident commander Lieutenant John Cotter determined it was best to launch the department's inflatable boat from the beach of Shenorock Shore Club. The boat in distress was roughly 100 yards off Shenorock's pier in the Long Island Sound. Firefighter Ryan Iarocci and firefighter Cea Fong headed out in the inflatable rescue boat, while incident command and support staff remained on shore.

The rescue team was able to reach the boat in distress and quickly remove two from the boat. Once safely on shore, the two boaters were met by EMS and Rye police for evaluation.

"Coordination and communication on scene between Rye Police, RyePD Marine Unit, SeaTow and Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS helped for a successful recovery," fire officials said in a statement released on social media. "Thank you to our mutual aid partners as well from Rye Brook and Port Chester Fire Departments for covering our district while units operated."

While Rye first responders were committed to the boat rescue scene, mutual aid was requested to make sure there was emergency coverage in the rest of the city. Additional fire department staff were called to assist in the rescue efforts and cover the city. All units returned to service less than an hour later at 8:57 p.m., according to officials.