Three children died and 24 other people were rescued after being pulled from the Long Island Sound after their yacht capsized on the Fourth of July, Nassau County police say.
Authorities say the group had been out watching fireworks on Oyster Bay to celebrate Independence Day when tragedy struck. The cause of the capsize is under investigation, though officials believe weather, overcrowding or a massive wave from the wake of another boat may have been factors.
Nassau County Deputy Inspector Kenneth Lack said two of the child victims were recovered from inside the sunken yacht after a long overnight search. Another was pulled from the water Wednesday night.
The victims were David Aurelino, 12, Harley Treanor, 11, and Victoria Gaines, 8.
Authorities said the boat party was a group of family members and friends who were returning from a fireworks display when their vessel capsized and began sinking. Two people were operating the boat, and investigators say there is no evidence they were intoxicated when the accident happened.
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