A Central Islip man drowned July 24 in Mount Sinai Harbor, according to the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.
Police say Santos Ayala, 35, of 230 Earle St., was on local beach fishing with others when he went for a swim. The currents pulled Ayala into the mouth of harbor and out towards the Long Island Sound. A friend did try to enter the water and help Ayala, but the strong currents made him turn back. A boated in the area tried to help, too but the current made it too difficult to pull Ayala from the water.
Suffolk Police responded and a search was mounted by the marine bureau, boats and divers. They were assisted by local police and fire departments, too.
Ayala was found an hour later and was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician’s assistant from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s office.
