One man dies and another is injured after a boat capsizes while entering Fire Island Inlet.

A tragic incident occurred at the mouth of Fire Island Inlet in Suffolk County, where one man lost his life and another suffered injuries after their boat capsized. According to a statement from Suffolk County police, the accident took place around 4:10 p.m. on Saturday, involving 68-year-old Christopher Sicignano, who was operating the vessel, and his passenger, 70-year-old David Johnson. Reports indicate that neither man was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.

The boat hit particularly rough waters, leading to it flipping over. Following the capsizing, both Sicignano and Johnson were ejected into the water. A nearby boater witnessed the scene unfold and quickly alerted authorities via UHF radio. This prompt action brought Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers and the Coast Guard to the location, where they immediately commenced rescue operations.

Rescuers managed to retrieve Johnson and transported him ashore. He was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, where efforts to revive him unfortunately proved unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Meanwhile, Sicignano was assisted by a “good Samaritan” who took him to the Robert Moses State Park Boat Basin. There, he was also picked up by the West Islip Fire Department Rescue Squad and taken to the same hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that he sustained minor injuries and was subsequently released.

Both men were residents of Lindenhurst, a community located approximately 35 miles east of Manhattan on the South Shore of Long Island. In the wake of this tragic accident, Suffolk County detectives are actively investigating the circumstances that led to the capsizing. The police have requested anyone with additional information to come forward and contact the homicide squad, as they seek to clarify the events surrounding this unfortunate occurrence.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with boating, particularly when safety precautions such as wearing life jackets are not observed. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of maritime safety as they investigate this tragic event further.