Boat strikes Blue Point jetty, occupants flee scene

BLUE POINT (WABC) -- Suffolk County police are investigating an incident during which a boat struck a jetty in Blue Point and the occupants fled the scene.

Marine Bureau officers responded after a 911 caller reported a boat had struck a jetty in the Great South Bay, just south of Namkee Lane, at approximately 4 a.m. Monday. When officers arrived, they were unable to locate any occupants with the boat, a 2004 21-foot Maverick.

Following a land search, the boats occupants, Jarett Brownie and Thomas Gamble, who fled the scene by climbing to shore via the jetty, were located on a private dock.

Brownie, 32, of Patchogue, suffered head lacerations in the crash. Gamble, 32, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, suffered a broken foot. Both were transported to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in East Patchogue for treatment.

Officers are investigating to determine which man was operating the boat at the time of the crash. The boat, which was severely damaged, was impounded to Marine Bureau in Great River.

Anyone with information on this crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.