4 Rescued In Pre-Dawn Save From Stranded Boat That Ran Aground In Atlantic Ocean Off LI Beach

SHIRLEY, NY — Four people were rescued in a pre-dawn save, pulled from a sandbar in the Atlantic Ocean, just off Smith Point County Park in Shirley on Sunday, Mastic Beach Fire District Commissioner Bill Biondi told Patch.

Around 18 first responders from the Moriches Inlet Response Team were activated and called to Smith Point just before 4 a.m., according to Biondi.

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The fire department was activated along with the MIRT to help the United States Coast Guard with the 31-foot Boston Whaler, which was returning from a fishing trip with four people aboard when it struck a sandbar, Biondi said.

"They were coming back from fishing all night," he said. "They were coming back trying to beat the storm. And, unfortunately the ocean has a lot of sandbars now."

While responding, fire department marine units communicated with the Coast Guard - Long Island Sound command to coordinate rescue efforts, and marine units from the Mastic, Center Moriches, East Moriches, and Eastport fire departments arrived on scene within minutes, and found the vessel listing dangerously, with ocean waves striking its side, according to Biondi.

The fire department also deployed support vehicles to the outer beach to help with the operation, Biondi said.

A rescue swimmer from the Center Moriches Fire Department was deployed into the ocean and crossed the sandbar to make contact with the vessel, and all four people were evaluated, and no injuries were reported, he said.

"With an approaching storm and changing sea conditions, three of the four occupants were removed from the vessel as a precaution," he said. "The captain elected to remain aboard while awaiting Sea Tow's arrival to assist in freeing the boat from the sandbar."

Biondi said that the response reflects the ongoing training, teamwork, and professionalism of the response team, and its partners in the Coast Guard.

"Through regular training and close coordination, MIRT members remain prepared to respond at a moment's notice and assist our maritime community when help is needed most," he added.

All units were back in service at around 5:45 a.m.

This is a breaking story that will be updated. Check back later.