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Just before 9 p.m., police got a call reporting a boat fire in the Long Island Sound near Hart Island, a DCPI spokesperson said.
The NYPD harbor and aviation units responded, as did the FDNY to assist in the rescue. Three people were pulled from the water by FDNY crews, and brought to a dock where EMS crews were waiting to begin CPR.
The other 19 swam to nearby Hart Island and were rescued by FDNY, NYPD, and Coast Guard boats, Meyers said.
All 22 passengers were taken to the City Island Yacht Club dock for treatment. In total, 23 people were taken to local hospitals, according to an NYPD spokesperson, including one who suffered serious injuries and was transported in stable condition.
The captain of the ship, Joshua Brito, 33, was arrested and charged late on Saturday night with:
- First-degree reckless endangerment;
- Driving while intoxicated: alcohol or drugs;
- Driving while intoxicated: first offense.
“This just goes to show you what a coordinated effort happens between our marine units, our land units, and our EMS units,” Meyers added. “By communicating well, and by working with our City partners, we help ensure that we protect the people of the City of New York.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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