Center Moriches, N.Y. — July 24 —Following a VHF radio report of a distressed vessel in the Atlantic Ocean, fire department marine crews and the Moriches Bay Marine Incident Response Team searched the seas south of Moriches Inlet on Friday.

After the radio broadcast, just before 1:30 p.m., the Marine Incident Response Team and the Center Moriches Fire Department were notified. Marine units under the direction of the Westhampton Beach Fire Department passed via Moriches Inlet and started inspecting the surrounding area and vessels.

The search was conducted between July 23 and July 26, during the 49th Around Long Island Regatta. Long Island waters saw an uptick in vessel traffic that weekend as a result of the Sea Cliff Yacht Club's sailing event.

Additionally, a small boat crew from Station Shinnecock of the U.S. Coast Guard worked in the area, inspecting vessels and assisting in determining whether anyone needed aid. In the seas surrounding Moriches Inlet, the Coast Guard and local maritime units have a well-established working relationship.

Firefighters from the fire departments of Center Moriches, East Moriches, Eastport, Mastic, Mastic Beach, and Westhampton Beach participate in the regional water rescue operation known as the Moriches Bay Marine Incident Response Team. Search and rescue, marine fires, maritime distress, and EMS calls are among the water crises for which the team has received training.

Responders searched for around 45 minutes before concluding that neither the vessel nor its people were in danger. The Center Moriches Fire Department reports that the marine units were freed and put back into operation without any problems.

The department also noted its continued partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and Suffolk County Police Department Marine Bureau in maintaining marine safety in the area. The police Marine Bureau has worked with the MIRT during previous water-rescue exercises.