MYFOXNY.COM -
Authorities are hoping to raise the sunken yacht that capsized in Long Island Sound on July 4 killing three children. The man who was driving the boat says a wave knocked the yacht over.
The boat could be brought to the surface as early as Friday, said officials.
The cause of the sinking remains under investigation.
Twenty-four people were rescued from the yacht near Oyster Bay on Long Island.
Harley Treanor, 11; Victoria Gaines, 8; and David Aurelino, 12, all of Suffolk County, were found in the boat's cabin.
The U.S. Coast Guard said those rescued were pulled from the water at around 11 p.m. on Wednesday about an hour after the boat capsized in the Long Island Sound.
The operator of the yacht told News12 Long Island that the boat was struck by a rogue wave after lightning cracked.
Preliminary causes could be overcrowding, weather conditions, or being swamped by another vessel.
Owners of private boats dragged people into their vessels until crews from law enforcement agencies and fire departments arrived.
A spokesman for the Nassau County police said early Thursday that many different agencies were involved in the rescue and subsequent search.
The vessel, a 34-foot Silverton, was on its way back to harbor after those aboard watched a fireworks show.
A boater told Newsday he saw the yacht turn right and then tip over after it was hit by a wake. "It was like in slow motion," said Sammy Balasso of Oyster Bay. "All of a sudden, a lot of bodies were in the water."
His nephew, 15-year-old Frankie Barbone of Bayview, said the waves almost came up over the yacht.
Balasso said he put the spotlight of his 38-foot speedboard on the Silverton and then threw all the life jackets he had with him into the water. He said he rescued 20 people who were later taken to the shore in police boats.
Nassau County Deputy Inspector Kenneth Lack told Newsday that most of the people rescued were taken to hospitals for observation but that one person was in critical condition.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Harlie Treanor, 11
Victoria Gaines, 8
