Coast Guard Rescues 4 From Disabled Yacht Off Long Island

Dramatic video shows helicopter airlifting stranded boaters during hazardous weather conditions.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:56pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a small disabled yacht tossed about in a stormy, turbulent ocean, dwarfed by the overwhelming power of the crashing waves and ominous clouds.A dramatic rescue at sea underscores the importance of boater safety and the Coast Guard's vital role in saving lives during hazardous weather conditions.NYC Today

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued four people from a disabled 42-foot yacht off the coast of Long Island over the weekend after the boat broke down in over 12-foot seas. A helicopter crew hoisted the two men and two women from the rocking vessel and transported them to safety as local responders were unable to assist due to the hazardous weather conditions.

Why it matters

This dramatic rescue highlights the dangers boaters can face when venturing out in severe weather, and the critical role the Coast Guard plays in saving lives on the water. It also underscores the importance of proper safety equipment and communication devices for all mariners.

The details

The Coast Guard received a distress call at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday reporting the disabled yacht floating off Moriches Inlet. A Coast Guard boat initially tried to reach the vessel but had to turn back due to the treacherous conditions. A helicopter was then dispatched and arrived on the scene at 8:30 p.m., hoisting the four stranded boaters one-by-one into the aircraft using a metal rescue basket.

  • The Coast Guard received the distress call at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The helicopter arrived on the scene and began the rescue at 8:30 p.m. the same evening.

The players

U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is the maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Lt. Jonathan Roth

A Coast Guard officer who commented on the importance of reliable communication and safety equipment for mariners.

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What they’re saying

“The challenging nature of this rescue underscored the importance of reliable forms of communication and required safety equipment, including life jackets. These are instrumental in getting the mariner to safety and are a must-have on any voyage, any time of year and in all weather.”

— Lt. Jonathan Roth, Coast Guard Officer

What’s next

The disabled yacht washed ashore on Sunday morning at Democrat Point on Fire Island. Local police and New York Department of Environmental Conservation officials are assessing the boat for any potential environmental impact.

The takeaway

This dramatic rescue highlights the critical role the U.S. Coast Guard plays in saving lives at sea, especially during hazardous weather conditions when other responders are unable to assist. It also serves as a stark reminder for all boaters to ensure they have the proper safety equipment and means of communication before venturing out on the water.