On Sunday October 4, 2009, the lives of a Long Island family were turned upside down as a result of a senseless and catastrophic boating accident in the Great Island Channel, in Seaford, New York. Two of the victims, a mother and father of four children, were passengers on a 40 foot Hustler speed boat called "The Uncanni," that ran aground on Goose Island. At the time of the accident, the boat was being operated by George Canni. The boat was returning to the Canni residence in Copiague after picking up food at a local restaurant, with all on board planning to enjoy a quiet Sunday dinner. The other occupants of the boat included Canni's wife and three other passengers.
Upon impact, all occupants were violently ejected from the boat, and landed on Goose Island. The investigation thus far is focused on determining the causes of the incident, including Canni's possible negligent operation of the boat. There are initial indications that the boat was being operated at an excessive rate of speed. However, the investigation is ongoing to uncover other factors that may have contributed to the happening of the accident, as well as other responsible parties.
The accident prompted a massive land, air and sea rescue operation involving the United States Coast Guard, New York City Police Department, Nassau County Police Department and Wantagh Fire Department, in addition to several privately owned vessels. Unfortunately, it took nearly an hour for emergency personnel to reach scene, leaving the critically injured victims waiting for assistance in agonizing pain.
The victims were airlifted to Nassau County University Medical Center with severe trauma. The husband sustained severe and potentially life threatening injuries, including multiple fractures to his neck. He remains hospitalized, confined to bed and in a full body brace. The wife also sustained catastrophic injuries, including fractures to the pelvis, ribs, scapular and sacrum. She too remains hospitalized in serious condition. Tragically, George Canni and two other passengers were killed in the accident.
The surviving husband and wife have retained the New York catastrophic personal injury law firm of Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP to represent them and protect their rights. New York personal injury trial lawyers Stephen Murphy and Joseph Donahue, of Block O'Toole & Murphy, are committed to conducting a complete and thorough investigation. Mr. Murphy notes that, "These are truly wonderful people who have suffered devastating permanent injuries. Their family faces enormous challenges and an uncertain future. We will work tirelessly to protect their rights and pursue every avenue available under the law to compensate them." Added Mr. Donahue, "Our goal is to gather all the facts and examine them from every angle, so that the causes of this deadly incident are determined and the responsible parties held accountable. We will leave no stone unturned."
About Block O'Toole & Murphy
Block O'Toole & Murphy is one of the premier personal injury law firms in New York City. Their experienced team of trial lawyers is devoted to truly caring for and fighting for the rights of their clients. As with every case it handles, the firm will not rest until justice is done. Block O'Toole & Murphy handles referrals of catastrophic injury cases on behalf of other lawyers and law firms. If you have been injured, you can contact the experienced trial lawyers at Block O'Toole & Murphy at any time for a free consultation. Visit http://www.blockotoole.com/ or call 212-736-5300 or 888.889.1021 (toll free).
Corrections:
A previous press release stated that four passengers were killed in the boating accident. This is incorrect; only three passengers were killed.
A previous press release also stated that the couple represented by Block O'Toole and Murphy has five children. They actually only have four children.