After deep freeze, Suffolk County officials warn boaters of debris in the waters
Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine, center, with officials from the county police department as they examine debris pulled from the water on Wednesday. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
Damaged dock pilings submerged in Suffolk County waterways could cause "catastrophic" damage to boats after an unusually frigid winter, county officials and Suffolk police warned.
Members of the Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau said patrol units over the past few weeks have pulled pilings and other debris from the water that pose a serious hazard to boaters.
The pilings can weigh between 500 and 1,500 pounds, and a collision could cause "catastrophic" damage to a boat’s hull or engine, said Deputy Inspector Jason Ostrow, commanding officer of the marine bureau.
At a news conference at the department’s marine bureau in Great River, Ostrow and other county officials urged boaters to proceed with caution when they return to either the bays on the South Shore or Long Island Sound on the North Shore. Officials spoke in front of a pile of debris that included more than a dozen large pilings, wood and even a dock ladder recently pulled from the water.
"We are very concerned about the amount of debris in Great South Bay and Moriches Bay," said County Executive Edward P. Romaine.
Officials said the extended cold that froze bays and canals damaged docks and created the potential for pilings to break free — known as "ice jacking."
Legis. Steven Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) said when the bay or canal is frozen and the tide comes in "it just sort of pulls it up with the tide and pulls it right out."
The debris once in open water can be difficult to spot as it’s underwater, officials said.
"If a vessel strikes a piece of debris, especially at a higher rate of speed, it could significantly damage the boat, the engine, or potentially result in the passenger being thrown overboard," said Deputy Commissioner Tom Galati.
Boaters who spot debris can contact the marine bureau at 631-852-COPS or Marine VHF channel 16.
Newsday recently reported how towns and villages are facing hefty bills to repair docks and pilings. In Southampton Town, officials declared an ice emergency to allow residents easier access to permits for repairs.
Many municipalities try to prevent dock damage during cold spells with de-icing equipment, Newsday reported.
Officials said there have been no reported incidents of debris damaging a boat, although marine traffic has been minimal. Romaine said towns employ harbormasters and bay constables responsible for ensuring waterways can be safely navigated.
Legis. Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) encouraged boaters to have a spotter to help identify potential hazards.
"I just implore everybody, take it slow," she said. "If you hit something, get someplace safe real quick and check on your boat and make sure that you haven't created a hole in your hull."
Suffolk County is home to the highest number of registered boats in New York, according to state data.
Fishing season ramps up in April. The open season for striped bass fishing begins April 15. For summer flounder, or fluke, the open season begins May 4, according to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulations.
Joe Werkmeister joined Newsday in 2022 and covers Suffolk County government and politics. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and previously worked as the editor of two North Fork community newspapers.
Nassau cold case mystery solved ... Enslaved people and LI's waterways ... Flower and Garden show ... March Madness for St. John's, Hofstra
Nassau cold case mystery solved ... Enslaved people and LI's waterways ... Flower and Garden show ... March Madness for St. John's, Hofstra
