A late-night boating accident on Great South Bay near Fire Island, New York, resulted in the tragic deaths of a married couple, according to Suffolk police. The incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. on Sunday when two vessels collided. The victims, Louis and Renee Deritis of Oakdale were aboard their 27-foot 1989 OC/MA boat when it collided with a 44-foot 1989 Henriques Sport Fisherman.
Louis, 53, was at the helm of their boat during the collision, which took place just north of Ocean Bay Park, between North Channel and Range Channel. The impact of the collision caused the couple’s boat to capsize, throwing Louis overboard. His body was recovered around 7:26 a.m. on Monday, as reported by Suffolk Deputy Chief William Scrima.
Renee, 50, was discovered in the cabin of the capsized boat by scuba rescuers. She was later pronounced dead by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner. The couple is believed to have been returning to Oakdale from Kismet at the time of the accident.
The Henriques boat, captained by Ferdinand Caravousanos, 61, of West Babylon, was headed southwest in the bay. The Deritis’s vessel was moving east when it suddenly veered north into the path of the Henriques. Caravousanos attempted to slow down but was unable to avoid the collision. The speed of the two vessels at the time of the crash is currently unknown.
Deputy Chief Scrima stated that there is no evidence to suggest that drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident. The four passengers aboard the Henriques, all friends on a fishing trip, were unharmed.
Both boats involved in the accident have been impounded for safety inspections. Suffolk police are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to contact them.