Man hit by piece from falling crane he was preparing to ship at Patchogue boatyard

A 31-year-old man was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital on Monday morning after police said he was struck by a falling piece of a crane he was preparing for shipment at a boatyard in Patchogue.

Suffolk County police did not release the identity of the worker — or, release details on the boatyard — but said the incident occurred on River Avenue and was reported in a 911 call at 8:55 a.m.

Police said only that the man was preparing the crane for shipment when he was struck by a falling piece.

The extent of any injuries was not immediately known, though police described the man’s injuries as "serious."

Fifth Squad detectives are investigating the incident.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a Newsday reporter since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press, Society of the Silurians and National Headliner Awards for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing. He is the author of “Swee'pea,” about New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. His debut crime novel, “For Nothing Is Hidden,” rooted in 1950s Long Island, was released in October 2025.