Family rescued in Long Island Sound after boat capsizes: officials

A lone lobster boat bobs in the water July 13, 2003 off the coast of Northport, New York, in the Long Island Sound. Lobstermen, who once had a lucrative profession, have been frustrated by a mysterious disease has been killing off lobsters in the Long Island Sound since 1999. Before the die-off lobstermen could bring in up to 900 lobsters a day; now they average 40 on a good day, barely enough to cover operating costs. Some scientists believe the dwindling numbers have been caused by pesticides sprayed to combat West Nile Virus, while others believe shore development has altered the habitats of lobsters and bivalves including oysters, scallops and clams. As scientific studies continue, a way of life for generations of fishermen is slowly disappearing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

by: Erin Pflaumer

Posted: Aug 29, 2023 / 06:54 AM EDT

Updated: Aug 29, 2023 / 12:24 PM EDT

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) – A Brentwood family was rescued after their boat capsized in the Long Island Sound Monday night, officials said.

Suffolk County police responded to a call around 8:30 p.m. A 17-year-old boy told police the boat he was on with his family was taking on water in the Sound off of Northport.

Officials said by the time officers arrived, the 14-foot skiff was completely underwater. The family was treading water and the 17-year-old used a flashlight on his cellphone to help Marine Bureau officers find them, officials said.

Officials said within 10 minutes of the initial call, all four family members were pulled safely from the water. Only two were wearing life vests, according to authorities.