CITY ISLAND, NY – A leisurely evening on the waters near Hart Island turned into a harrowing ordeal for nearly two dozen people when a boat caught fire, forcing them to plunge into the cold, dark waters to escape the flames. The incident occurred just hours ago, prompting a swift and massive response from emergency services that saved multiple lives.
The drama began a little after 8 p.m. when an FDNY patrol boat, Marine Four, spotted the flames while conducting routine patrols in the Long Island Sound and Eastchester Bay. The boat fire, located off the eastern end of Hart Island, triggered a large-scale rescue operation as numerous individuals were found struggling in the water.
Emergency crews, prepared for a potential influx of patients, quickly closed the only road leading to City Island. This allowed fire engines and ambulances to reach the shores of City Island and Hart Island, where the rescued individuals were brought ashore. Among those pulled from the water, at least one person was reported to be in critical condition.
Fire officials on the scene confirmed that three individuals initially rescued from the water were injured, with one suffering critical injuries. Meanwhile, another 19 people managed to swim to safety, reaching the shores and receiving immediate medical attention from first responders.
The boat involved was a private charter, capable of accommodating a significant number of passengers. Earlier in the evening, the vessel had been noticed by Marine Four, indicating it was carrying a large group. The coordination of marine and land units was crucial in bringing the passengers safely to shore.
The complex rescue operation involved the combined efforts of the FDNY, the Coast Guard, and the NYPD, who deployed all available resources to address the situation. Authorities have taken the boat’s operator into custody, and an investigation is underway to determine if intoxication played a role in the incident.
As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The circumstances leading up to the blaze and the events that followed are part of an active inquiry by law enforcement.
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Author: John Nightbridge
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