Multiple Water Rescues Off North Shore of Smithtown
Weather Advisory: News 12 Meteorologist Matt Hammer reports calmer conditions expected today with waves up to one foot and winds between 5-10 mph.Executive Summary
Several people are recovering following two separate water rescue incidents off the North Shore in the Town of Smithtown on Sunday evening, highlighting dangerous current conditions in Long Island Sound near the Nissequogue River.
Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers respond to water emergencies throughout Long Island Sound. (Photo: Suffolk County Police Department)
First Incident - Kayak Rescue
At approximately 6:10 p.m., three men from Central Islip encountered distress while kayaking on Long Island Sound approximately one mile north of the Nissequogue River when one of their vessels began taking on water and partially submerged.Individuals Involved:
• Jorge Alexander, 39, fell into the water and became separated from his kayak partner
• Anibal Canetas, 45, remained in the double kayak
• Miguel Dominguez, 58, operated a separate single kayak and initiated the emergency call
Alexander held onto the partially submerged vessel while Dominguez contacted emergency services. Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau and Town of Smithtown Harbormaster officers located the three men in distress approximately 30 minutes after the initial 911 call.
Water rescue operations on Long Island Sound require swift response due to challenging current conditions. (Photo: Riverhead LOCAL)
Second Incident - Swimming/Riptide Rescue
While officers were providing first aid to the kayak rescue victims at Kings Park Bluff, they heard additional calls for help from swimmers caught in a riptide on the west side of the Nissequogue River.Individuals Involved:
• Ademir Capunay, 40, of White Plains
• Felix Covnelio Cortes, 21, of Queens
• Unidentified jet skier who provided assistance
A nearby man on a jet ski came to the swimmers' aid, helping both distressed individuals hold onto his watercraft until additional help arrived. Officers used life rings to pull Capunay and Cortes onto their rescue boats. Video footage provided by the jet skier documented the rescue efforts.
Response and Outcome
All five individuals rescued declined further medical treatment and were reported in good condition by Suffolk County Police.Emergency response involved coordination between Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau and Town of Smithtown Harbormaster officers, demonstrating effective multi-agency water rescue protocols.
Weather Conditions and Safety Advisory
Current water conditions posed significant challenges for recreational watercraft users. News 12 Meteorologist Matt Hammer indicates improved conditions are expected, with waves reaching a maximum of one foot and wind speeds between five and 10 miles per hour.
The mouth of the Nissequogue River at Long Island Sound, where strong currents create challenging conditions for recreational watercraft. (Photo: Wikipedia Commons)
Community Safety Perspectives
Local residents emphasized the inherent dangers of the area's water conditions:"I've seen the current pretty strong, especially when some is coming in and some is going out. You could get caught up in it." - Lori Capolino, Kings Park resident
"There's a certain time in the tide when it's really bad. I won't even put my boat in, it's so bad." - Al Dwyer, Kings Point resident
"Those currents over there are even for a trained canoeist or kayaker would be very difficult to navigate." - Alan Lichtenstein, Commack resident
These incidents underscore the importance of checking weather and water conditions before engaging in recreational water activities, particularly in areas known for strong currents and changing tidal condition
