2 Kayakers Rescued After Boat Sinks In Long Island Sound

SMITHTOWN, NY — Two kayakers' lives were saved when they were found treading water in the Long Island Sound after their kayak sank on Monday, Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers and Town of Smithtown Harbor Master officers announced.

Roger Daniel Ramos Galo and Manfredo Garcia fell off a kayak in the Long Island Sound around 5:10 p.m.. Galo had a cell phone in water-proof casing and called 911 at 5:10 p.m.

Using information from Galo’s 911 call and from witnesses, Harbor Master officers Dylan Harris and Bill Rohr first found the men in the water and were able to pull Galo, who was wearing a life jacket, from the water around 5:30 p.m. Galo was approximately a mile northeast of Sunken Meadow Beach.

Garcia was not wearing a life jacket and was approximately half a mile to three-quarters of a mile north of Sunken Meadow Beach in Smithtown. Marine Bureau officers Joseph Lanzisera and Claudio Barrios, who were operating Marine Bravo, rescued Garcia around 5:30 p.m.

They were both brought to the dock at Kings Park Bluff and checked out by first responders but declined further medical treatment.

"This successful rescue highlights not only the importance of water safety, but also the critical role our harbormasters play in protecting the public," said Tom Lohmann, director of the Smithtown Public Safety Department, in a news release. "Harbormasters Dylan Harris and William Rohr demonstrated professionalism, skill, and a strong sense of duty in assisting the kayakers in distress. Working alongside the Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau, their quick response helped ensure a safe outcome. We’re incredibly proud of the dedication these officers show each day in serving and protecting those who enjoy our local waterways."

Smithtown Supervisor Edward Wehrheim called the rescue a "testament to the courage, preparedness, and swift coordination" of Smithtown harbormasters and the Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau.

"I want to commend Dylan Harris and William Rohr for their quick thinking and teamwork in responding to a potentially tragic situation," Wehrheim stated. "Thanks to their decisive action — and the collaborative efforts of Officers Lanzisera and Barrios — two lives were saved. We are fortunate to have such dedicated professionals safeguarding our residents and visitors on the water every day."