Jerry Jackson Rescue teams resumed their search efforts on Monday for a missing person after a boat capsized in the Ambrose Channel, located near Staten Island. The incident occurred on Sunday, leaving three dead, two injured, and one person still missing. A collaborative rescue operation is underway, involving multiple agencies and several rescue teams. These include air crews, small boat crews, and two ships that are working together to find the missing person.
Incident Recap and Rescue Efforts
The boat involved in the incident was a 30-foot Grady-White, which capsized near Sandy Hook, not far from New York City. The boat had departed from Howard Beach earlier on Sunday for a fishing trip. On board were six passengers, including the boat’s captain. Tragically, three people lost their lives in the accident, and two others were injured.
The Coast Guard has confirmed that five survivors were rescued from the water. However, four of them were unresponsive when found. Rescue teams continue to provide medical care to the survivors. At the same time, authorities are focusing on locating the missing person, identified as 52-year-old Vernon Glasford. He was last seen wearing a gray hoodie, blue jeans, and black boots.
Weather Conditions and the Search for Vernon Glasford
The search for Glasford is centered around an area about five miles off Breezy Point in Queens, New York. As of Monday, NOAA reported that the water temperature in the region was 37°F, which is dangerously cold. Hypothermia can begin to set in when water temperatures fall below 70°F, which makes the search all the more urgent.
The search operation is complicated by the frigid conditions. Officials are working quickly to locate Glasford and bring him to safety, but the cold water presents a significant challenge. Rescue teams are coordinating their efforts carefully, as they face both the physical challenge of the cold waters and the need to search a vast area.
Investigation Underway
While the immediate priority is the search for Glasford, authorities have also begun an investigation into the cause of the boat’s capsizing. Several agencies are involved in this effort, including the Coast Guard, the NYPD, the NYC Fire Department, and the New Jersey State Police. The precise cause of the incident has not been determined, but it remains a primary focus of the ongoing investigation.
The Ambrose Channel, where the boat capsized, is a critical shipping route that serves as the main entrance for vessels traveling to and from the New York-New Jersey Port. The channel is often busy with large commercial ships, which adds complexity to the search and recovery operation. Officials are also taking steps to ensure that the presence of rescue vessels does not interfere with ongoing commercial traffic in the channel.
Impact on Local Communities
This tragic accident has shocked the local communities around Howard Beach, Breezy Point, and other nearby areas. Many people who are familiar with the area and the waters where the incident took place are deeply concerned about the safety of those involved. The capsize has also drawn attention to the risks associated with recreational boating, especially in colder months when weather conditions can change rapidly.
Continued Search and Collaboration Between Agencies
The search for Vernon Glasford is ongoing, with rescue teams working around the clock to locate him. Authorities have indicated that they will continue the operation for as long as necessary to bring closure to the families of those involved. In the meantime, the cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies has been praised for its coordination and effectiveness in responding to the situation.
The collaboration between the NYPD, NYC Fire Department, New Jersey State Police, and the Coast Guard has been crucial in the rescue operation. These agencies have extensive experience in maritime search and rescue, and their combined efforts are making a significant difference in the search for the missing individual.
This tragic boat accident serves as a reminder of the dangers that exist on the water, especially during the colder months. The combination of cold water temperatures and unpredictable weather can create life-threatening conditions for those on boats. As the investigation continues, authorities are also reminding the public of the importance of safety measures, including wearing life jackets and being prepared for sudden changes in weather.
As the search for Vernon Glasford continues, all eyes remain on the rescue teams working tirelessly to bring him home. For more updates on the situation, visit Financial Mirror.