Crime & Safety
Cutchogue Man in Sinking Boat Saved off Robins Island
James Ray, 79, reported his bilge pump stopped working, police say.
Southampton Bay constables saved a 79-year-old Cutchogue man Friday morning as his boat was sinking into Peconic Bay, according to police.
Southampton Town Police said a 911 call came in at 11:35 a.m. from James B. Ray, who reported that his vessel was taking on water in the area south of Robins Island. Bay constables located Ray, who was wearing a life preserver, and his 17-foot 1983 Grady White outboard vessel, which was full of water, police said.
After the constables retrieved Ray they towed the vessel to shallow water, where he was able to pump out the water. According to police, Ray said the bilge pump was not working properly and his boat took several large wakes over the stern, causing it to founder.
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Bay constables are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident, police said.
