Poughkeepsie, NY – At approximately 11:40 am, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol responded for a distress call on the Hudson River off the City of Poughkeepsie shoreline.
Responding police officers determined that a 43-year-old male was backing his trailer onto the Waryas Park boat ramp while his 14-year-old son was operating their personal watercraft (PWC). The PWC experienced mechanical issues and became disabled on the river. The 14-year-old son began yelling for help and eventually jumped off the PWC and swam to shore. The youth was wearing a personal flotation device and was uninjured.
The responding Sheriff’s patrol boat located the disabled PWC in the vicinity of the Walkway Over the Hudson Bridge and towed it back to the Waryas Park boat ramp.
All boaters are encouraged to stay with their boat or watercraft if they become disabled. Attempting to swim to shore is strongly discouraged due to the currents in the Hudson River. In addition, it is much easier for first responders to locate a vessel as compared to a person in the water.
All operators and passengers on PWC’s are required by law to wear a personal flotation device. Boaters are encouraged to always wear a personal flotation device.
Marine Patrol deputies were assisted by the City of Poughkeepsie Police.
