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Two Boats Collide in Suffolk County, Resulting in One Death and Two Injuries

One man was killed and two more people were injured when two boats collided just off Long Island in Great South Bay on Sunday, June 28.

The accident occurred in the Bay just south of Babylon at approximately 3 p.m. According to Suffolk County police, a man was operating a 17-foot 1981 Boston Whaler heading south in the West Fox Creek Channel when he struck a 22-foot 1987 Activator motor boat heading north. The collision resulted in the death of a 25-year-old passenger from Lindenhurst on the motorboat.

The area on the creek has several S-turns, which can make visibility difficult. Police believe this contributed to the accident. Both boats came around the bend simultaneously and did not see each other until the accident occurred, with evasive maneuvers being insufficient to avoid each other. Police say both boats seemed to be traveling at a reasonable speed, and neither vessel operator tested positive for alcohol consumption.

The 58-year-old operator of the Boston Whaler and the 19-year-old operator of the motorboat were both taken to Good Samaritan Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

All boaters responsible for safe operation

Boat operators, like drivers of motor vehicles, are required to abide by certain safety standards during operation. This includes traveling at reasonable speeds, avoiding hazards or obstacles in the water, only operating while sober and watching for other boats on the water.

Also like drivers of motor vehicles, boating operators can be the target of personal injury claims if their negligence results in an accident that causes injuries or death.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a boating accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia LLP with any questions you have about how to proceed with your case and to set up a consultation.

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