In a devastating incident off the coast of New York City, four people lost their lives after a speedboat sank on Sunday. The tragedy unfolded approximately five miles southeast of Breezy Point, a neighborhood situated at the tip of Queens' Rockaway peninsula. Among the six individuals on board, three were confirmed dead on Sunday, while a fourth succumbed to their injuries according to CBS News reports on Monday. Additionally, two others were hospitalized, with one in critical condition. One person remains missing as search and rescue operations continue.
The ill-fated outing began as a fishing trip for Cecilio Adamas, 50, and his five friends. However, their speedboat began taking on water during the journey. Rescue efforts commenced as soon as the distress call went out, with the United States Coast Guard leading the operation. They were joined by the New York police and fire departments, New Jersey's state police, the Sandy Hook Pilots, an aircrew from Air Station Atlantic City, and the Coast Guard Cutter William Chadwick.
“He said: ‘Oh there’s a lot of wind.’” – Francisca Adamas
As the rescue mission unfolded, these words from Cecilio Adamas' family captured the harrowing conditions faced by those aboard. The search teams worked tirelessly throughout Sunday and into Monday to locate the missing individual.
“The Coast Guard is still searching for the missing individual,” – Sydney Phoenix
Authorities have yet to determine what caused the vessel to sink. Investigations are ongoing as officials strive to piece together the events leading up to this tragic accident. Meanwhile, the local community and families affected by the disaster are left grappling with an overwhelming sense of loss.