U.S. Coast Guard Airlifts 4 People From Disabled Motor Yacht Off New York

The US Coast Guard rescued four people from a disabled motor yacht drifting in rough seas off New York on the evening of 4 April 2026.

The 42-foot vessel, named Proudfoot, was located around three miles southwest of Moriches Inlet after it became disabled in heavy weather, with waves reported to be over 12 feet high. No injuries were reported.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound received a distress call over VHF radio at about 5:45 p.m.

The crew reported that the yacht had lost power and was struggling in worsening sea conditions. Local police and emergency responders were unable to reach the vessel due to the dangerous weather.

The Coast Guard issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and sent a boat crew from Station Shinnecock. However, the team had to return as sea conditions continued to worsen.

A helicopter crew flying an MH-60T Jayhawk from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod was then sent to assist. The helicopter arrived at the scene at around 8:30 p.m. and began the rescue operation.

All four people on board, two men and two women, were hoisted from the yacht and taken to Gabreski Airport by 9:42 p.m., where emergency medical services were waiting. Officials confirmed that no one was injured.

Later, the vessel washed ashore on 5 April at Democrat Point on Fire Island.

Officials from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and local police checked the site and confirmed that the boat remained intact and there was no pollution risk.

The owner has hired a commercial salvage company to recover the vessel once weather conditions improve.

Reference: USCG