The search for 52-year-old Vernon Glasford came to a halt yesterday following a tragic boat mishap in the Ambrose Channel. Glasford, from the Bronx, was among six individuals who had embarked on an early fishing trip amidst what seemed to be favorable weather. The vessel they were on capsized near Breezy Point on Sunday around noon. In the exhaustive search, covering approximately 842 square miles over 30 hours using helicopters, ships, and planes, the U.S. Coast Guard was unable to locate Glasford, as reported by ABC7 New York.
On Sunday, before five individuals were extracted from the frigid waters off New York City, three were pronounced dead and two others were hospitalized, according to CBS News. The Coast Guard and local police worked together, tracing a cellphone underwater to pinpoint the capsized boat. Glasford, a cherished father and grandfather, was last seen by his sister Jenel Bobb last Saturday. Bobb remembered his passion for fishing, saying, "He went fishing and he didn't come home. That's all we know," in an interview with CBS News.
As the authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the accident, Coast Guard Sector New York Commander Capt. Jonathan Andrechik expressed condolences, emphasizing the hazards of cold waters which stood at a chilling 38 degrees. "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," Andrechik stated to ABC7 New York.
Among the fatalities was 50-year-old Cecilio Adames, an experienced boater and father of three. CBS News obtained a statement from his daughter, Alisha Adames, extolling his altruism: "He's that man, and everybody will remember him as that man, because he always risked his life trying to help other people." Francisca Adames, Cecilio's wife, shared with CBS News that she had concerns about the trip due to the winds, which her husband acknowledged were dangerous.
The tragedy has impacted multiple families, leaving a void in the communities they were a part of. Eva Ruiz, Glasford's neighbor of 35 years, spoke to his uplifting presence, saying to ABC7 New York, "His presence was always cheerful, and that's one blessing that we all have and take with us."
