Clam Dredge Captain Rescued After Experiencing Medical Issue Near Fire Island

Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers say 44-year-old Ronald Garay, captain of the 77-foot commercial clam dredge Mary T, was fishing in the Atlantic Ocean south of Point O’Woods, Fire Island when he started to experience shortness of breath the night of Wednesday, April 17, police say.

Police say Garay called for assistance over Marine VHF radio. The Marine Bureau heard the call and dispatched a rescue boat, Marine Kilo, crewed by Officers and New York State Certified Emergency Medical Technicians Keith Magliola and Christopher DeFeo.

Police say the boat responded out of Fire Island Inlet into the Atlantic Ocean and was able to intercept the Mary T approximately two miles South of Fire Island.

The officers transferred Garay from the dredge onto the police boat and successfully administered first aid.

Garay, who is from East Meadow, was transported to U.S. Coast Guard Station Fire Island. He was subsequently transported by West Islip Fire Department to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore for treatment.

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