A boating incident that occurred in the Hampton Bays on Sunday evening has left several individuals hospitalized and the boat's captain under arrest. According to ABC7NY, the vessel crashed ashore around 8:50 p.m. on the Great Peconic Bay side, specifically into the Shinnecock Canal jetty before coming to rest on the beach at Meschutt Beach County Park.
The Southampton Town Police Detective Squad has taken the lead on the investigation into the crash. Edward Hillkewicz, 28, from Mastic Beach, identified as the captain, is expected to swiftly face a judge on Monday. He's facing charges that include boating while intoxicated and vehicular assault. With the case still unfolding, Hillkewicz has also received several summonses under the New York State Navigation Law.
A chilling video captured by bystanders shows the large sport fishing boat after it violently crashed into the jetty and spun 180 degrees before running aground. As reported by Fox News Digital, the accident occurred at approximately 9:16 p.m., suggesting either a slight discrepancy in the timeline or a delayed report following the impact. It is still unclear how this time misalignment might affect the ongoing investigation.
In the wake of the crash, four passengers sustained injuries. Among them, an adult female was severely hurt to necessitate an airlift to Stony Brook Hospital by the Suffolk County Police Department. Two juveniles and an additional adult male were also transported to receive medical care. Meanwhile, rescue efforts on the beach were accompanied by the discordant sounds of country music and the metronomic swishing of windshield wipers, a surreal backdrop to a grave scene. The involved emergency services, including the Hampton Bays FD, Southampton Town PD, the US Coast Guard, and NYS Police, have yet to fully publicly conclude the specifics of the incident.
The story of the Hampton Bays crash continues to unfold as both local residents and the wider boating community watch on, hoping for the swift recovery of those injured and a clear understanding of the events that led to this grievous mistake at sea. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Hampton Bays Fire Department, but their response is still pending as the investigation remains ongoing.
