Politics & Government

Boater Saved After Going Into Diabetic Shock

Huntington bay constables, others help save the life of 54-year-old man Sunday.

Two Huntington Bay constables spearheaded a group effort to help save the life of a boater who had gone into diabetic shock in Huntington Harbor on Sunday.

Town officials say Huntingotn Bay Constables Fred Uvena and Tim Lutz responded to a call, initially described as a suspected boating while intoxicated case, when the 47-foot Catalina sailboat Mary Anne Mae collided with an anchored vessel.

Uvena boarded the Mary Anne Mae at 5:20 p.m. and found the operator, a 54-year-old man, disoriented and combative, according to a Town press release.

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"Uvena determined that the situation was not one of intoxication but rather a diabetes-related incident," said the release. "He restrained the boater, secured a life jacket on him and begin treatment. When the boater lost consciousness, Uvena secured an airway and requested an oxygen kit from Bay Constable Lutz." 

Also responding to the call was Suffolk County Police Department marine bureau officer, Charles Marchiello, who boarded the Mary Anne Mae with Lutz and assisted Uvena in administering oxygen while an ambulance was called.

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Dave Willis of Willis Marine also boarded the Mary Anne Mae and piloted it to the pickup point near the Halesite Firehouse, where a Halesite Fire Department ambulance picked up the boater and transported him to Huntington Hospital. They were also assisted on shore by Bay Constable Stephen Taylor, accoring to the Town.

The boater was conscious, resting comfortably and able to give a narrative of what he remembered of the incident by 6:20 p.m., when Uvena and Taylor went to the hospital to retrieve rescue gear.

“I commend Bay Constables Uvena and Lutz, as well as Police Officer Marchiello and Mr. Willis for their prompt response to the situation and for the correct assessment of the situation that resulted in the actions that saved this boater’s life,” Huntington Supervisor Frank P. Petrone said. “All of us in Town government are especially proud of how our Harbormaster’s office continues to keep our waters safe and help boaters in need.”


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