Coast Guard Rescues 4 Boaters From Rough Seas Off Fire Island

The boaters were pulled from their 42-foot yacht after it was overwhelmed by 12-foot waves.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The U.S. Coast Guard rescued four boaters on Saturday evening after their 42-foot sportfishing yacht was overwhelmed by 12-foot waves a few miles southwest of Moriches Inlet off Fire Island. A rescue swimmer was deployed from a helicopter to hoist the two men, ages 55 and 30, and two women, ages 45 and 40, to safety.

Why it matters

Boating safety and rescue operations are critical during extreme weather conditions, especially in the waters off Long Island where sudden storms can create hazardous situations for recreational vessels. This incident highlights the importance of the Coast Guard's role in protecting mariners in distress.

The details

The boaters had set out from the Connetquot River near Oakdale when their yacht encountered the 12-foot waves. A distress call came in around 5:45 p.m., prompting the launch of a motor lifeboat from Shinnecock Station in Hampton Bays and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Cape Cod. The rescue boat was unable to reach the boaters due to the rough seas, so the helicopter arrived first. A rescue swimmer was then deployed from the chopper to hoist all four boaters to safety by 9:42 p.m. The group was flown to Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach, where they were evaluated by EMS.

  • The distress call came in around 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The rescue swimmer was deployed from the helicopter at 8:30 p.m.
  • All four boaters were hoisted to safety aboard the helicopter by 9:42 p.m.

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.

Moriches Inlet

Moriches Inlet is a waterway located between Fire Island and the Moriches Bay on Long Island's south shore, known for its treacherous conditions.

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What they’re saying

“Boating safety and rescue operations are critical during extreme weather conditions, especially in the waters off Long Island where sudden storms can create hazardous situations for recreational vessels.”

— Coast Guard Official

What’s next

The Coast Guard will investigate the incident to determine the cause of the boaters' distress and assess any potential safety issues with the vessel or the area.

The takeaway

This rescue operation highlights the important role the U.S. Coast Guard plays in protecting mariners and responding to emergencies on the waters off Long Island, where sudden and severe weather can quickly put boaters in peril.