The U.S. Coast Guard rescued three people from a life raft in waters off Southampton Sunday as reported in Newsday. They had taken to the raft after their 36-foot motor boat caught fire.
"Southampton police received a 911 call about 2:03 p.m. from one of the boaters, saying the group was on their way to Montauk when a fire erupted in the cabin, Southampton Town Police Sgt. James Cavanagh said."
The burning boat was one mile off the Shinnecock Inlet and fully engulfed in flames, according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Alfred Diaz.
Newsday said that three people were forced to abandon their boat and get into the water in a life raft as flames consumed the boat.
The three, whose names were not released, were brought by Coast Guard officials to Oaklands Marina on Dune Road in Hampton Bays and then transported to Southampton Hospital where they were checked for signs of hypothermia.
"North Sea Fire Department responded and fought the vessel fire until the boat sank, officials said. The vessel was not deemed a hazard to navigation. Authorities said they had not yet determined the cause of the fire."
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