Long Island Ferry Accident Leaves One Dead

In a freak accident that occurred in the Long Island Sound off the coast off Orient Point, L.I., a 65-ft. tractor-trailer rolled off Cross Sound Ferry's 250-ft. vessel, Susan Ann.

The first signs of trouble began this morning at approximately 10:30 a.m., when, according to the Police Department, Town of Southold, L.I., the vehicle, a 1989 Western Star Tractor Trailer with the driver inside, broke free -- falling off the rear of the above vessel while in the Plum Gut area of the Long Island Sound -- east of its destination -- Orient Point.

At the time, the vessel was performing a routine crossing from New London, Conn. to Orient Point, L.I.

Upon discovery that the vehicle had fallen overboard, the crew of Susan Ann launched a rescue vessel from the ferry to recover the victim, Michael J. Zuber, 53, of Stratford, Conn.

According to a report issued by the Police Department, Town of Southold, Zuber was taken to Eastern Long Island Hopsital, where he was pronounced dead.

Both the Southold Town Police and Suffolk County Police Departments are currently exploring further investigations surrounding this incident.