Body of 1 of 2 missing kayakers recovered in Shinnecock Bay
Two kayaks were found in the Marsh early Sunday morning.
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Southampton police say they recovered the body of one of the two kayakers who had gone missing Saturday in Shinnecock Bay.
According to a release by the police department, the body of 27-year-old Shane Garcia was found after New York State Police and the Southampton Town Marine Patrol Units had located "an area of interest" during their search on Sunday.
The search for the second missing kayaker, Aaron Montemarano, will resume early Monday morning, the department said.
Garcia was reported missing by his girlfriend “who stated he had gone kayaking earlier in the day and had not returned.”
Officers found his work van parked at the end of Shinnecock Avenue in Hampton Bays.
According to an earlier release by Southampton police:
“Mr. Garcia sent a picture to his girlfriend of himself and his friend Aaron Montemarano while kayaking in Shinnecock Bay near Ponquogue Bridge. A search of Shinnecock Bay and the surrounding area yielded negative results...Mr. Montemarano is believed to have been in the company of Mr. Garcia at the time he went missing.”
A U.S. Coast Guard boat crew actively searched the area on Sunday with partner agencies.
“It was reported that local responders located two kayaks and a debris field in the marsh area earlier this morning,” a Coast Guard spokesperson said in a statement to News 12.
Anyone with information is urged to call Southampton Town Police Department Detective Division at 631-728-3400 or the tip hotline at 631-728-3454 | crimetips@southamptontownny.gov.
