The U.S. Coast Guard, accompanied by other relevant agencies, persists in its efforts to establish the identities of the six casualties involved in a boat mishap off the coast of Staten Island, New York. They are also engaging with the task of informing the victims’ immediate family about the tragedy. Attention gravitates towards Vernon Glasford, a 52-year-old Bronx resident who, at the time of writing, remains unaccounted for despite search operations ceasing around 6 p.m. on Monday. Glasford was last seen outfitted in a grey hoodie, blue denim pants, and black footwear, reports from the Coast Guard reveal.
In the distressing aftermath of this nautical disaster, it was discovered that three lives were lost, while two people survived the ordeal, albeit with injuries. Those who survived were promptly transported to Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze, under varied conditions of stability and critical need. Recent media coverage has begun shedding light on the identities of these victims. Staten Island University has confirmed that patient Enrique Diaz is currently maintaining stable vitals.
Diaz was recognized and his condition reported by his son during a hospital visit. ‘My father was still hooked up to oxygen devices yesterday when I went to visit him,’ narrated Jonathan Diaz, 33. ‘He was quivering and his body still had not reached normal temperature. He was suffering from hypothermia,’ he added. Jonathan conveyed his father’s harrowing accounts from the incident, where the victims were frantically trying to bail out water from the sinking vessel, but the boat was just claiming water too quickly.
Apart from Enrique Diaz, the other victims included Cecilio Javier Adames, an affectionate parent and also a taxed chauffeur from Howard Beach, Queens. Cecilio, a known fishing enthusiast, left behind his grieving 15-year-old daughter, Alisha Adames, who remembers her father’s deep-rooted passion for fishing activities, spanning well over a decade.
Alisha struggled to find words to summarize her lost father. ‘In essence, he was a profound individual, both externally and internally,’ she expressed. Recalling Adames, his friend, Edwin Morel said, ‘The man was adored by everyone. Not a soul has ever uttered a negative sentiment about him.’,
Throughout 30 hours spanning the duration of the rescue mission, the Coast Guard covered an impressive geographical span of over 840 square miles. This task saw them employing various teams aboard helicopters, aircraft, large ships, and minor marine crafts for the vast operation.
To the family and associates of Vernon Glasford, Capt. Jonathan Andrechik, the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Sector New York, communicated his condolences. ‘The choice to conclude a search operation is invariably a challenging one,’ he commented. He further clarified, ‘Even though we have ceased our active pursuit, the Coast Guard resonates with feelings of empathy and extends support to all those affected by the tragic incident.’
Glasford’s relatives hosted a candlelit vigil in their Bronx apartment, where they reside, on Monday evening. Glasford’s sister, Jenel Bobb, conveyed her worries since her brother was generally particular about maintaining his office schedule. ‘He wouldn’t have missed work unless the situation was not right,’ she said, reflecting on the situation.
Adding to the stories about Glasford, his neighbor and friend of over three decades, Eva Ruiz, shared that Glasford was always upbeat. ‘His cheerful spirit is a valuable boon that we all are blessed with and carry within us,’ intimated Ruiz.
A coast guard station based in Fort Wadsworth, New York, first reported the nautical incident on Sunday at midday. The report mentioned that a sailing ship was found to be in distress near Breezy Point, a locality situated on the edge of the Rockaway peninsula in Queens.
As a response to this situation, the Coast Guard sprang into action and dispatched their rescue teams that included three boats from their New York station and Sandy Hook station in New Jersey, and one MH-65 helicopter from their Air Station Atlantic City in New Jersey.
These extended search and recovery operations consisted of three aircrew contingents, two crew groups for small boats, and two major seafaring vessels. These teams continued their efforts throughout the night and into the wee hours of Monday.
Initial findings revealed four out of five individuals found on Sunday were non-responsive. The desperate search saw the recovery of three individuals by a boat crew from the Sandy Hook Coast Guard station, one more by an air crew from the Air Station Atlantic City, and the final survivor was retrieved by an aviation crew from the NYPD.
The Staten Island boat tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with marine activities, a fact which shakes to the core the lives of those affected, leaving them attempting to rebuild in the wake of their loss. As the families mourn their loved ones, the city waits for further updates hoping to gain clarity on the full scope of the incident.
As the authorities collectively work on clarifying the specifics related to the incident, the memory of this heartfelt tragedy lingers in the minds of those affected, Staten Island residents, and beyond. This turn of events has resonated deeply with the community – a place now colored by the memory of a raw and relentless sea, filled with sorrow and quiet resilience.