On August 23, 2026, Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau deployed a hovercraft to rescue a family whose boat became grounded near Fire Island Inlet. The emergency response included treatment for a 2‑year‑old child who sustained minor injuries during the incident.
The vessel had run aground in the inlet, leaving the occupants stranded on shallow water with limited options for self‑rescue. Witnesses reported the boat was immobilized, prompting the family to request assistance from local authorities.
Responding officers arrived with a hovercraft, a craft designed to travel over water, sand and mud where conventional boats cannot operate. The hovercraft’s ability to glide over the shallow, shifting conditions of the inlet allowed the crew to reach the grounded boat quickly and safely. The family was transferred to the hovercraft and taken to a nearby shore where medical personnel could assess the child.
Medical staff examined the 2‑year‑old and determined the injuries were minor, providing on‑scene treatment before the child was reunited with the family. The rest of the family members were reported to be unharmed.
The Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau frequently employs hovercraft for operations in the challenging coastal waters of Long Island. The incident underscores the bureau’s routine use of this specialized equipment to reach vessels in difficult environments, ensuring prompt assistance when boats become stranded or encounter hazards.
The rescued family was safely returned to shore, and the incident concluded without further complications. Authorities reminded the public to monitor local water conditions and seek help promptly if vessels encounter trouble in the area.