“We received a call of a woman in distress at the Seaview boat basin,” said Ocean Beach Fire Department Chief Ian Levine.
It is believed the woman was swimming at the popular swimming spot informally known as “B Street.” While there were broadcasted severe storm predictions on Sunday morning, as well as emergency warnings interrupting Suffolk County radio station programing at about 2:30 p.m., many people on Fire Island appeared caught off guard as the skies remained sunny through much of the afternoon.
“We responded to a dozen calls within the hour,” added Levine “And we knew departments had their hands full on the mainland, and had to make due.”
Power outages, downed trees and a few sunken boats were also reported throughout the island as well. The woman’s name has not been immediately released, but she is said to be a long time seasonal resident of Ocean Beach.
UPDATE: The victim was identified as 67-year old Barbara Langbecker on July 3, 2019.
