LONG ISLAND, NY – Four men from Connecticut were rescued early Sunday morning after spending nearly an hour clinging to an overturned boat in the frigid waters of Long Island Sound. The incident, which occurred near Stratford Shoal, prompted an emergency response from Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers who arrived just in time to pull the men to safety.
The group had departed from Stratford, Connecticut, aboard a 20-foot center console powerboat when the vessel capsized shortly before midnight. By 12:07 a.m., police were notified of a possible distress situation. When marine officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the four men holding on to the submerged hull of the boat without life jackets. The capsizing occurred in the middle of the Sound, roughly halfway between Long Island and the Connecticut coastline, an area known for strong currents and low nighttime visibility.
Despite being thrown into the water unexpectedly and lacking flotation devices, the men managed to stay afloat by holding onto the boat. They were located and rescued by Officers Hardy and Falcone of the Suffolk County Marine Bureau’s Marine Delta unit. All four were brought aboard the police vessel and transported to a hospital in Stratford for treatment of exposure to cold water. No serious injuries were reported.
The incident has renewed attention on boating safety, especially during late-night excursions in challenging environments. Stratford Shoal, located in the central Sound, is often affected by rapidly changing weather and water conditions. Authorities noted that none of the individuals were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident, a factor that significantly increases the risk of drowning during capsizing events.
This rescue follows a pattern of similar incidents in the region, where marine units have responded to capsized vessels, mechanical failures, and overdue boats. Earlier this summer, another group was rescued off the coast of Cutchogue after their vessel began taking on water.
Local officials and coast guard representatives continue to emphasize the importance of boating preparedness: life jacket use, communication devices, and float plans are strongly encouraged for anyone heading out onto open water. The men in this case were fortunate that help arrived when it did, given the dangers of hypothermia, fatigue, and nighttime disorientation in open water.
The Suffolk County Police Department praised the swift actions of the Marine Bureau in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion. The capsized vessel was later recovered and towed to shore for inspection.
As recreational boating remains a popular activity in Long Island Sound during the summer months, authorities urge all boaters to take appropriate safety precautions to avoid potentially life-threatening situations. The incident serves as a reminder that even experienced boaters can quickly find themselves in danger when conditions turn and safety measures are overlooked.
Top Questions & Answers For The Long Island Sound Boat Rescue:
Q1: What happened in the Long Island Sound on July 13, 2025?
A: Four men from Connecticut were rescued after their 20-foot boat capsized near Stratford Shoal around midnight. They clung to the overturned vessel for about an hour before being rescued by Suffolk County Police.
Q2: Were the men wearing life jackets?
A: No, none of the four men were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
Q3: How long were they in the water?
A: The group was in the water for nearly 60 minutes, holding onto the hull of their capsized boat until help arrived.
Q4: Who rescued them?
A: Officers from the Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau’s Marine Delta unit, specifically Officers Hardy and Falcone, located and rescued the men.
Q5: What condition were the men in after the rescue?
A: They were taken to a hospital in Stratford for treatment related to cold water exposure. No serious injuries were reported.
Q6: Where did the boat capsize?
A: The vessel overturned near Stratford Shoal, a shallow rocky area in the central part of Long Island Sound, midway between Connecticut and Long Island.
Q7: What caused the boat to capsize?
A: The exact cause hasn’t been officially confirmed, but weather and water conditions, along with vessel stability, may have played a role. An inspection of the recovered boat is underway.
Q8: Was the boat recovered?
A: Yes, the overturned vessel was later recovered and towed to shore for further examination.
Q9: Is this type of accident common in the area?
A: Boating incidents, including capsizings and mechanical failures, are not uncommon in Long Island Sound, especially during summer months when recreational boating increases.
Q10: What are the safety takeaways from this incident?
A: Always wear life jackets, especially in open waters. File a float plan, check weather and water conditions, carry emergency communication devices, and avoid nighttime boating unless properly equipped.
