Family of 5 Rescued From Sinking Boat Off Long Island

Suffolk County police say good Samaritans and police officers rescued a family of five after their boat sank in the Great South Bay off Long Island.

Thirty-three-year-old Juan Contreras, of Bellport, and four family members were in his 18-foot boat about a quarter mile south of Gardiner County Park in Bay Shore when the engine stalled and the boat began sinking around 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Authorities say 46-year-old William Deak, of West Islip, was on his boat when he spotted them clinging to the partially submerged hull. He, his two sons and their friend called for help and began pulling the family, including two children, out of the water. Police and firefighters in boats helped them.

The family refused medical treatment. Their boat was refloated.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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