Brooklyn, New York (NewYorkInjuryNews.com – News Report) – There are many dangers involved in water sports and activities. Recently, on Long Island Sound near Cockenoe Island, a Hobie Cat sailboat capsized in a gust of wind. On the boat was Alexandra Vitale, 3, of Brooklyn, N.Y, her young friend and her cousin, Katherine Durie, 18, of Westport. Durie was a sailing instructor of three years, but this would not save them. The good Samaritan, Barry Schwimmer, 51, of Westport saw the capsized boat and heard the child’s screams for help. He rescued the two young girls, but Vitale was unresponsive. Rescuers administered CPR as she was transported to the marina at Compo Beach. Unfortunately, on the way to Norwalk Hospital she was pronounced dead.
The Westport Police Marine Division examined the “Getaway” model by Hobie Cat, but there were “no defects or equipment malfunction that would have led to the sailboat capsizing.” The Westport Police Department Marine Division will continue to investigate this tragic accident.