Coast Guard Rescues Four from Disabled Yacht off Long Island

In a dramatic rescue captured on video, the Coast Guard helicopter crew saved four individuals stranded on a malfunctioning yacht amid challenging sea conditions and darkness near Long Island.

At approximately 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, the Coast Guard received an alert about the 42-foot vessel named Proudfoot, which had broken down. It was reported that the boat was left floating in 12-foot waves about three miles southwest of Moriches Inlet in Suffolk County.

Local authorities noted that severe weather prevented police and first responders from reaching the stranded group. Although a boat crew from Shinnecock was dispatched, they had to return due to worsening ocean conditions.

Things turned around when a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod arrived on site around 8:30 p.m. They proceeded to airlift the stranded individuals.

Footage released by the Coast Guard depicted the helicopter lowering a metal basket to safely retrieve the two men and two women from the yacht, all under the cover of night.

By 9:42 p.m., all four individuals had been brought safely to Gabreski Airport, where medical services awaited. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the tense operation.

Later, the yacht was found washed ashore on Sunday morning at Democratic Point on Fire Island. Reports from the New York Department of Environmental Protection and local police indicated that the vessel sustained no significant damage.

Coast Guard Lt. Jonathan Ross emphasized the importance of effective communication and essential safety gear, such as life jackets, during this rescue. He stated that these items are crucial for keeping sailors safe, regardless of the season or weather conditions.