Boat Crash in N.Y. Highlights Dangers of Boating Under the Influence

A fatal boat crash off Long Island, New York, is prompting a safety initiative.

The Coast Guard and local law enforcers are part of the renewed effort to target unsafe conditions for boaters and residents off the coast of Long Island and Fire Island.

Christopher Mannino of West Islip was killed in the weekend crash.

Authorities say he was a passenger in a fishing boat when another boat hit its side around 5 a.m. Saturday. The operator was charged with boating while under the influence.

Authorities say 20 percent of all boating fatalities are a result of alcohol impairment.

July is the area’s busiest period of the year for boating traffic and accidents.