BROOKHAVEN, NEW YORK: Louis Deritis, aged 53, and his wife Renee, aged 50, were killed in a tragic accident in Great South Bay over the Labor Day weekend.
The New York couple's 27-foot 1989 OC/MA boat collided with a much larger 44-foot fishing boat near Fire Island, causing their vessel to capsize.
How did Louis and Renee Deritis die?
Louis Deritis was at the helm of their boat when the collision took place, leading to him being ejected from the vessel.
Following an overnight search, his lifeless body was discovered in the water on Monday, September 4.
Meanwhile, Renee's body was found earlier in the partially submerged cabin of their boat by a team of rescue divers.
The larger fishing boat, under the operation of Ferdinand Caravousanos, aged 61, was on a fishing trip with friends. None of Caravousanos's four passengers sustained injuries from the collision.
Suffolk County police are calling the incident a "tragic accident."
Chief William Scrima reported that Caravousanos' vessel, named the Henriques, was traveling southwest in the bay while Deritis' boat was heading east.
At some point, for reasons unknown, Deritis's boat made a sudden northward turn, crossing paths with the Henriques.
Despite Caravousanos' attempts to evade the collision, he was unable to avoid crashing into Deritis' boat.
The speeds at which the boats were traveling remain undisclosed, and Chief Scrima stated that there is no indication that alcohol or drugs played a role in the accident.
According to police, the Deritises were likely en route from Kismet to their home in Oakdale when the tragedy unfolded.
Both vessels have been impounded for safety inspections, and authorities have urged individuals with pertinent information to contact them at 631-854-8352.
