Kayak safety: Death in the Nissequogue 8-12-11

[DarkSkies]

More.







Coast Guard











This view is looking to the area of the Nissy before the mouth.

[DarkSkies]

More rescue personnel, and the helicopter teams.





The helicopter teams did a pretty thorough search.
This is a view overlooking the general area where Officer Luca was thought to be missing in, about 1/2 mile out in front of the Nissy mouth.




This is a pic of the inflatable they recovered. White with blue markings.



In this shot you can make out the outlines of the 2 helo's as they did a grid search.

[DarkSkies]

They wouldn't let any additional vehicles in while the rescue effort was underway. Walk-in access only.





This is an example of the types of signs LI residents have to deal with on a daily basis when it comes to shore access. It makes me think how spoiled some New Jerseyans are, that we don't have this problem, and sometimes take access for granted.

[rockhopper]

Great job DS, and your right it is sad that he is gone but maybe we have to make some different rules like not useing an inflatable kayak in a tidal river or surf, my .02.

[nitestrikes]

Well done report. Wish we could tuen back the hands of time and bring officer Luca back. Condolences to the family.

[stripercrazy]

Gosh this is such a sad story. I hope some good can come out of it, but as you fellas said, you can lead a horse to water but can't make him drink.

[jonthepain]

nasty looking rips

[DarkSkies]

Good observation, Jon. That is the chief complaint of a lot of boaters going through that inlet. More than one person has complained that it should be dredged more often.

[mick2360]

Rich, This is an area that I have fished with Bill a lot. An outgoing tide could be lethal in very little water due to the flow. The sandbars are constantly shifting. I lost another friend, a lone late night fisherman, when he apparently stepped off of a sand bar in a strong tide. Both instances a tragedy for a fine man and his family. Any one of us is a misstep away from tragedy. RIP.

[mick2360]

Good observation, Jon. That is the chief complaint of a lot of boaters going through that inlet. More than one person has complained that it should be dredged more often.

They were complaining pretty good when it was being dredged two years ago, Dark.

[DarkSkies]

^^ I assume by that you mean that there are some foks who are never satisfied, Mick?
Thanks for the perspective, I believe your BIL knows that river better than a lot of people. Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. We lose too many people to outdoor tragedies each year.