Crew members from the Cross Island Ferry, including 26-year-old New London resident William Stanley, rescued three people who had been swept away by the current Friday afternoon in the waters off Orient Point, N.Y.

The effort earned Stanley, a mate aboard the Mary Ellen, and 28-year-old Kalol Wloblawska, a deli clerk, a "Bravo Zulu" — praise for a job well done, from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound.

"Their quick thinking and professional ethics resulted in three lives being saved," said a Coast Guard post on Facebook.

According to the Southold Police Department, 10-year-old Asher Stern of Brooklyn was swimming at 3:17 p.m. when the strong current pulled him away from shore. His father, 45-year-old Jordan Stern, and a good Samaritan, 65-year-old Hassan Hamza, attempted to rescue him, only to get caught in the current themselves.

The crew of the Mary Ellen heard the incident on their marine radio while docked at the ferry terminal in Orient Point. They sent Stanley and Wloblawska on a rescue boat from the ferry, and the two were able to pluck all three swimmers from the water. They were taken to the Orient By the Sea marina, where they were checked out by the Orient Fire Department and released.

"It was an excellent outcome," said Lt. James Ginas of the Southold Town Police Department Saturday morning.

The Coast Guard is urging people to wear life jackets when operating vessels or being close to the water.

"Long Island Sound tidal currents are fast and unpredictable. Be vigilant and remember it is better to be safe than sorry!" the news release said.

k.florin@theday.com