Freeport NY (Nassau) Water Rescue 9/19/23

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On the morning of Tuesday, September 19th, 2023, the Freeport Fire Department was dispatched to a water emergency in the dead end of Gordon Place for a car in the water with occupants trapped. When the first fire units arrived on scene, they were met with a confirmed car in the water and at least one occupant within. A good samaritan who lived nearby and members of the Freeport Police Department who arrived on scene prior to the fire department were in the water and attempting to access the victim. Members of the Freeport Fire Department immediately began assisting in the operation both in the water and on land. After a few minutes those operating were able to access, secure, and rescue the combative individual. Once brought up to land the patient was loaded into an awaiting ambulance and transported to an area hospital with unspecified injuries. Not long into the incident it was discovered that the driver had entered the water across the canal at Jeffstar Marina. Prior to going into the water, the driver struck several short pilings, two boats [with damage to a third], and went airborne then hitting the water. No one else was injured in the incident and searches of the vehicles were negative. The SUV was removed from the water hours later by the NCPD Emergency Services Unit and Marine Bureau who used airbags to lift the car up, tow it closer to shore, and then use a boat lift at the involved marina to hoist the vehicle out of the water. Among those on scene were resources from the East Rockaway, Wantagh, and Merrick Fire Departments as well as Town of Hempstead EMS. All of those who entered the water in the early stages of this incident were evaluated by medical personnel on scene. The circumstances surrounding why this individual drove into the water are under investigation. Text courtesy K2M Photography.

https://www.k2mphotography.com/Fire...6QN6KF-xWknfXJv8RF60JWlJHkOmIB7KUuVHA0sxSwhJI

 

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From the ERFD Facebook page:

"This Morning, the East Rockaway Fire Department was alerted for a Mutual Aid Response to the Freeport Fire Department for the Dive Team to respond forthwith to a vehicle into the water in the vicinity of Gordon Pl. Chief Monaco, Chief Gelb, Heavy Rescue 407 and Ambulance 4081 responded to the scene.
Freeport units operating on scene reported one vehicle had entered the water from the bulk head with one victim removed from the vehicle by the Village of Freeport Police. Due to the possibility of another occupant, it was requested for divers to perform an underwater search of the vehicle for any potential victims.
Two ERFD Divers suited up and made entry into the water to search for the vehicle while the Wantagh Fire Department Dive Team were suited up incase of an in-water emergency. ERFD Divers located the vehicle which was upside down on the canal floor and searched the vehicle to ensure no other occupants were inside. Upon completion of the searches, the vehicle was tagged with a search line so it could be easily located and recovered for the continuing police investigation.
This summer the Freeport, Wantagh, and East Rockaway Dive Teams created the Southern Nassau Dive Team Task Force to increase collaboration and training amongst the only Dive Teams on the south shore of Nassau County. This Task Force proved dividends during this incident as all three teams worked together to accomplish the mission at hand."