Fatal Boat Accident Off Staten Island Leaves Three Dead, One Missing
A tragic maritime incident unfolded off the coast of Staten Island as a fishing boat capsized near Breezy Point, resulting in the deaths of three people and leaving one person missing. The U.S. Coast Guard, along with the FDNY and NYPD, responded to distress signals on Sunday around noon, discovering five survivors in the frigid waters of the Ambrose Channel.
Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Passenger
Authorities pulled five individuals from the water, four of whom were unconscious. Three victims succumbed to their injuries, while two others were hospitalized in critical condition. By Monday, one of the survivors had shown improvement, while the other remained in critical condition. Officials identified the missing person as 52-year-old Vernon Glasford, last seen wearing a gray hoodie, blue jeans, and black boots. The Coast Guard suspended its search for Glasford at 6 p.m. Monday after exhaustive rescue efforts.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Vernon Glasford,” said Capt. Jonathan Andrechik, Coast Guard Sector New York commander. “The decision to suspend a search is always difficult. Though our active search has ended, our support and sympathy remain with all those impacted by this tragic incident.”
Investigation Underway Into Cause of Capsizing
The fishing trip began early Sunday morning, departing from Howard Beach with six individuals aboard a 30-foot vessel. Around noon, the boat began taking on water near Breezy Point before ultimately capsizing. The Coast Guard immediately launched a large-scale rescue effort, deploying three aircrews, two small boat crews, and two ships throughout the night and into Monday morning. Despite improving weather conditions, water temperatures remained dangerously low at 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
The identities of the victims have not been officially released, but one family shared their grief with the media. Francisca Adames, the wife of Cecilio Javier Adames, confirmed her husband was among the deceased. He had been eager to take his new boat out on the water for a fishing trip with friends. “He told me there’s a lot of wind,” she recounted from their final phone conversation, questioning why he did not return to shore. Their daughter, Alisha, revealed that her father had previously survived a boating accident off the North Shore of Long Island in 2009.
Authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, seeking to determine what led to the deadly maritime disaster.
