SOUTHAMPTON, New York (WABC) — Two men were found dead early Wednesday morning after their bodies washed up following a kayaking outing on Long Island.
They were reported overdue while kayaking in Shinnecock Bay, according to Southampton Town Police.
Family members of the missing men called the Southampton Town Police at 1:30 a.m.
Investigators said the two men left the old south Ponquogue pier around 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, using a single two-person kayak and heading west into the bay.
At about 4 a.m., one man was found dead on the shore at the northwest corner of the Ponquogue Bridge and was identified as Daniel Villa, 25, of Southampton.
Shortly afterward, the second man was found along the bulkhead north of the Amalfi Restaurant on Lighthouse Road in Hampton Bays.
The kayakers washed up in Shinnecock Bay.
He was identified as Juan Carlos Penaranda, 43, of Quogue. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine their causes of death.
People who are familiar with the waterways say it is critical to monitor the conditions before going out on Shinnecock Bay.
“Always make sure you have a personal flotation device, and keep an eye on the weather and sea conditions,” Linda Fabiano said.
The largescale police response involved multiple agencies and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to to contact Southampton Town Police at 631-728-5000, the Detective Division at 631-702-2230, or the Crime Hotline at 631-728-3454.
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