Off-duty New York police officer rescues fisherman from Atlantic Ocean

An off-duty New York City police officer rescues a fisherman from the Atlantic Ocean (Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Police Department)

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK (PIX11) – An off-duty New York City police officer rescued a fisherman from the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

Police said the fisherman, who was in critical condition due to rapid blood loss following a fishing accident, needed urgent help.

William Parmenter, an off-duty Suffolk County officer in the 2nd Precinct, was fishing 80 miles southeast of Shinnecock Inlet in the Atlantic Ocean. Officers said Parmenter heard a Mayday call on marine radio at about 2 p.m. Parmenter quickly jumped into action and contacted the victim’s boat by radio to offer assistance.

An off-duty police officer was able to locate the victim’s boat. The victim, 66-year-old Norman Orsinge, was bleeding from both legs after being pierced with a hook while trying to catch a yellowfin tuna, authorities said.

Parmenter managed to apply tourniquets to both legs and contact the U.S. Coast Guard and the Suffolk County Police Aviation Section.

A Coast Guard helicopter was called in and met the boat, which was still in the Atlantic, 20 miles south of Hampton Bay. Orsinger was airlifted to Long Island MacArthur Airport and then flown to Stony Brook University Hospital by Suffolk County police helicopter, officials said.

Orsinger was treated at Stony Brook Hospital for his injuries. He is expected to survive, officials said.