Elderly man dies after boat sinks

Police said nine passengers were sent into the waters off Point Lookout as vessel took on water

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An 80-year-old man died on Monday after he and his family fell into the water as the boat they were traveling in began to sink between Point Lookout and Freeport.

According to Nassau County police, the incident occurred at 2:06 p.m. when a 24-foot 2004 Maxum motorboat experienced mechanical failure in the vicinity of Long Creek, north of the Loop Parkway’s No. 2 bridge.

Police said the vessel was carrying a total of nine family members, including two children ages 8 and 10.

Police said the boat began to flood, and the operator of the vessel called for commercial marine assistance. The boat’s occupants then observed Town of North Hempstead Bay Constables nearby and flagged them down for help. Additionally, passing civilian boats also responded.

Police said that as the constables approached, the boat was partially submerged, forcing its occupants into the water.

The constables removed the passengers from the bay, and police said that the children were wearing floatation devices at the time of the incident.

The Point Lookout-Lido and Merrick Fire departments also responded to the scene.

Police said that 80-year-old Charles Dimaria suffered cardiac arrest while in the water, and was taken to a local hospital in serious condition. He was pronounced dead at 3:09 p.m. by a staff physician. A 73-year-old female passenger suffered chest pain, and was taken to an area hospital, where she was treated and released.

No other injuries were reported. The boat was towed to a Freeport Marina. Police said the investigation is ongoing.