2 Dead in Pair of Long Island Boating Accidents

Two women were killed in two different boating accidents on Long Island over a mid-July weekend.

According to authorities, the first incident occurred on Sunday, July 14 at about 10:30 a.m., off the coast of Baldwin. An 18-year-old woman was reportedly on a jet ski, but collided with a 35-foot motor boat. She was pronounced dead soon after the accident.

Just a few hours later in Suffolk County, a 50-foot Sea Ray hit a drifting boat that had a married couple on board. The 50-year-old husband managed to jump from the boat and escape injury, but his 56-year-old wife was thrown into the water and killed upon impact. The operator of the boat was arrested for operating while intoxicated.

Police remind boat operators of safety rules

Law enforcement officials are reminding boaters that the same rules apply on the waterways as our roadways. The use of alcohol while operating a boat is illegal. All people operating boats on the water are required to obey safety rules and must have personal floatation devices on board for every passenger. Although passengers do not need to wear those floatation devices at all times, it is highly recommended they do so if they are not a good swimmer. Youth under the age of 12 are also required to wear these devices, by law.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP to discuss your legal options.