Long Island Duck Hunter Stranded on Island Rescued by Police

A Long Island duck hunter had to be rescued by police after becoming stranded on an island amid sub-freezing temperatures and high winds.

Suffolk County police say Christopher Rowlinson took out his canoe to Nicoll Island in the Great South Bay Wednesday evening for some duck hunting. When he began to paddle back after sunset, he encountered strong head winds and ice that had formed on the water.

Police say the 20-year-old Great River resident used his cellphone to call his family, who in turn called 911.

Winds were 40 mph and the temperature was 18 when two officers boarded a police vessel to rescue Rowlinson. They told Rowlinson to turn on his phone's flashlight feature to signal them as they approached.

Rowlinson was returned safe and sound.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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