1 dead as rowboat capsizes in Manhasset Bay
The scene near Manhasset Bay where search teams are looking for a man who disappeared at about 4 a.m. after a boat he and three others were in capsized off Port Washington early Thursday, officials said. Credit: Jim Staubitser
Police divers searching Manhasset Bay Thursday for a man who went missing overnight after an 11-foot rowboat in which he was drinking beer capsized off Port Washington have recovered the man's body.
Nassau County police said Thursday night they wouldn't reveal the man's identity until his family was notified.
Marine bureau divers, using sonar, found the body about 4 p.m., about 150 yards offshore in 10 feet to 12 feet of water, near where three other men who had been on the rowboat were found alive earlier in the day.
The three men, including the brother of the missing man, were taken to St. Francis Hospital in Flower Hill with hypothermia.
Divers from the Port Washington Fire Department and Nassau police, as well as the town bay constable, had searched for the missing man for hours, Town of North Hempstead Public Safety Commissioner Andy DeMartin told Newsday.
The search began about 10:45 a.m., when the rescued trio were first found aboard two boats in the bay. The rescued men said they had taken the rowboat to go out drinking, Port Washington Fire Department Chief Geoffrey Cole said.
"They went out on the boat to have a few beers," Cole said.
Officials believe the rowboat capsized sometime between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. about 150 yards from the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club. DeMartin said the three rescued men were employed at Louie's Oyster Bar & Grille in Port Washington and said they were not authorized to take the rowboat, used to access boats moored in the harbor.
He said the men were attempting to board a moored boat, which they also were not authorized to access, when the rowboat capsized.
Three of the four managed to climb onto two other boats in the harbor and apparently fell asleep, DeMartin said. They were discovered midmorning by the launch operator at the yacht club, who picked them up and took them to the town dock. He also contacted Port Washington police.
None have been identified.
Nassau County police Det. Lt. Kevin Smith said searchers found a broken oar and a pair of sneakers in the water believed to be those of the missing man. Officials said the man was not wearing a life jacket.
With John Valenti
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