Tragic Loss at Sea: Toms River Fisherman Passes Away Offshore

Tragic Loss at Sea: Toms River Fisherman Passes Away Offshore

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A 38-year-old Toms River resident died Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency while fishing aboard a private sport fishing boat approximately 130 nautical miles east of Montauk Point, New York, according to authorities.

East Hampton Town police identified the man as Sean R. Smida. Officials said he became unconscious while the vessel was in the Atlantic Ocean about 130 miles offshore of Montauk.

Friends aboard the vessel contacted the U.S. Coast Guard at 9:53 a.m. after Smida suffered the medical emergency and immediately began performing CPR as they headed back to shore, authorities said.

The boat arrived at the U.S. Coast Guard Station Montauk on Star Island Road at 1:42 p.m., where Coast Guard officials had instructed the crew to dock. East Hampton Town police officers and emergency medical personnel were waiting at the marina to provide assistance, according to police.

Smida was pronounced deceased after the boat reached the U.S. Coast Guard Station, authorities said.

According to East Hampton Town police, the preliminary investigation suggests he experienced a medical emergency before his death. Detectives found no signs of suspicious circumstances, and investigators do not believe foul play was involved.

The official cause of death is pending an examination by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office.

Smida worked at Grumpy's Tackle in Seaside Park, where he was a valued member of the close-knit team of owners and employees. He was known for his passion for fishing and enjoyed sharing that knowledge with others, especially children who attended the annual Kids Fishing Clinic hosted by the Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department.