On September 3, Sunday, an unfortunate boat collision in Great South Bay on Long Island led to the untimely death of an Oakdale couple.
Louis Deritis, 53, and his wife, Renee Deritis, 50, were aboard their 27-foot 1989 OC/MA vessel when the tragic event transpired.
The couple’s boat, with Louis at its helm, collided with a 44-foot 1989 Henriques Sport Fisherman boat. This accident, as described by Suffolk County Police, took place around 10:40 pm. The aftermath of this collision saw the couple’s boat capsize in the waters north of Ocean Bay Park, specifically between North Channel and Range Channel.
After the collision, Louis was ejected from the boat and remained lost in the water. Islip Fire Department divers subsequently located Renee within the sunken boat’s hull. Once she was moved to the divers’ boat, she was pronounced dead. On September 4, authorities located and recovered Louis’ body.
No injuries were reported on the Henriques Sport Fisherman boat, operated by Ferdinand Caravousanos, 61, of West Babylon.
Although the ongoing investigation considers this an accident, both boats have been taken into custody for thorough safety reviews.
