MOUNT SINAI, NY – Human remains discovered in a submerged car off the coast of Mount Sinai may finally bring answers in the case of a Long Island man who vanished nearly 15 years ago.
The vehicle, a barnacle-covered 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser, was found in about 17 feet of water in Mount Sinai Harbor near Cedar Beach on June 30. Volunteer search divers with the civilian groups Exploring With a Mission and Adventures With Purpose located the vehicle using side-scan sonar mounted on kayaks. The discovery came within minutes of scanning the area, which had long been suspected in the disappearance of Robert J. Long, a Miller Place resident who went missing in December 2010.
Inside the vehicle, divers found human bones – including what appeared to be a rib cage. One bone was brought to the surface before Suffolk County authorities were notified. Due to poor visibility in the murky water, official recovery efforts paused around 9 p.m. on June 30 and resumed the next morning. The vehicle was eventually lifted from the harbor by crane.
Robert Long, 62 at the time of his disappearance, was last seen leaving home to visit a liquor store in Port Jefferson Station. He never returned, and neither he nor his vehicle was seen again – until now. The Suffolk County Police Department has not yet confirmed the identity of the remains but said a notification has been made to Long’s family. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct forensic testing, including DNA analysis and an autopsy, to determine identity and cause of death.
The volunteer search effort was led by Dan Pritchard of Australia and Bill McIntosh of Rhode Island, both experienced divers dedicated to solving cold cases involving missing people and submerged vehicles. This marks McIntosh’s 16th vehicle recovery since 2020 and the third vehicle located during their current Long Island mission.
Long’s wife, Joanne, confirmed the development on social media, thanking the divers and expressing bittersweet closure after more than a decade of unanswered questions.
“This is why we do what we do,” McIntosh told reporters. “Not for headlines—but for the families still waiting.”
Police say the investigation is ongoing as they await confirmation from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Meanwhile, the discovery marks a potential breakthrough in one of Suffolk County’s most enduring missing persons cases.
Top Questions About the Discovery of Human Remains in Mount Sinai Harbor
Who was the missing person linked to the submerged vehicle?
The car is believed to belong to Robert J. Long, a 62-year-old man from Miller Place, Long Island, who went missing in December 2010 after leaving home to go to a liquor store. He was never seen again.
Where was the vehicle found?
The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser was found submerged in about 17 feet of water in Mount Sinai Harbor near Cedar Beach.
Who discovered the car and remains?
Volunteer divers from Exploring With a Mission and Adventures With Purpose located the vehicle using sonar equipment mounted on kayaks. The team was led by Dan Pritchard of Australia and Bill McIntosh of Rhode Island.
What was found inside the vehicle?
Divers discovered human bones, including what appeared to be a rib cage. One bone was recovered and brought to the surface before authorities took over the scene.
Has the identity of the remains been confirmed?
Not yet. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting DNA testing and an autopsy to determine if the remains belong to Robert Long.
How long had the car been underwater?
Authorities believe the vehicle had been submerged since Long’s disappearance in December 2010, nearly 15 years ago. It was covered in barnacles and silt.
What role did Suffolk County Police play in the recovery?
After being alerted by the divers, the Suffolk County Police Department’s Marine Bureau responded to the scene, assisted in recovery efforts, and used a crane to lift the vehicle from the water.
Why did volunteer divers get involved?
The search teams specialize in using sonar to locate vehicles connected to cold cases. Their mission is to help bring closure to families of missing persons.
What has the family said about the discovery?
Robert Long’s wife, Joanne, expressed gratitude and relief, saying she had prayed for answers and was thankful to finally receive some form of closure.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes. Police are awaiting final confirmation from the Medical Examiner and say the case remains active until identity and cause of death are officially determined.
