Suffolk Police Rescue Hunter Clinging To Kayak In Frigid Water Off Of Mastic Beach

MASTIC BEACH, NY — A hunter whose kayak capsized was rescued from the frigid water of Narrow Bay in Mastic Beach Sunday morning, Suffolk police said.

The 34-year-old man, who was not wearing a life jacket, had been hunting aboard a kayak when the boat capsized and he fell into the water, when a good Samaritan saw him and called 911 at around 8:45 a.m., according to police.

He was found clinging to his kayak by a team of first responders including, Command Pilot Sgt. John Vahey, Tactical Flight Officer Victor Federico, Officer Jonathan Jensen, a rescue swimmer from the Emergency Services' Section, and Stony Brook University Hospital Flight Paramedic Erin Carey aboard a police helicopter, police said.

Officer Jensen jumped into the water from the helicopter and helped Shakalis to nearby Pattersquash Island, police said, adding that Officer Federico and members of the Center Moriches Fire Department helped Jensen bring the man to shore and Carey began administering medical aid.

He was taken by helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of hypothermia, police said.