Thursday, October 1, 2026
On Dec. 23, a crane toppled into the water at 1 Wellfleet Road in East Rockaway.
Upon arrival of 3rd. Assistant Chief Gene Torborg, it was determined that the crane was submerged in the canal at the entrance to the bay. He instructed all fire department units to respond to the Hewlett Point Beach for better access to the crane.
After arriving at the beach, it was discovered that the crane was attached to a dredging barge that had sunk in the canal between West Blvd and Hewlett Point Avenue, but no personnel were working on the barge at that time.
The crane was leaking fluid into the waterway, so Torborg notified Nassau County Hazmat, Bay Constable, The Coast Guard and the Town of Hempstead.
After arrival of the Hazmat, it was determined that this was going to be an extended operation by the agencies listed, and all ERFD units were released and returned to quarters.
