3 rescued off New Jersey coast after 18-foot vessel capsizes

Coast Guard Rescues Three Stranded People off New Jersey Coast

In a dramatic and successful rescue operation, the Coast Guard announced that three individuals were saved from peril without any injuries as they clung to the overturned hull of their capsized vessel along the New Jersey coast.

The ordeal began when the operator of the 18-foot vessel, which had become disabled, urgently reached out for help via a VHF-FM radio. This distress call was placed to the Coast Guard’s Delaware Bay sector on a Saturday afternoon, stating that the vessel was incapacitated and required assistance to make it safely to shore.

The operator revealed that three individuals were on board, and their vessel was anchored in Great Bay, situated in Little Egg Harbor Township, less than a mile from the Great Bay Marina. However, the situation quickly deteriorated as the operator reported that their boat was sinking due to adverse weather conditions.

Coast Guard Springs into Action

Over the weekend, Coast Guard personnel swiftly came to the rescue of three passengers whose vessel had capsized in Great Bay, close to the New Jersey shoreline.

The Coast Guard reacted promptly, rerouting an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter that was already in the air conducting routine training. Additionally, a TowBoatUS commercial salvage team, upon hearing the distress call, hastened to the scene, relaying the critical information to the Coast Guard. Their report confirmed that the vessel had capsized, leaving its three occupants clinging to the overturned hull.

Nevertheless, the combination of shallow waters and challenging weather conditions made direct assistance unfeasible at that moment. Nevertheless, Coast Guard officials diligently monitored the situation and kept updating the rescue teams.

A Swift and Successful Rescue

The pivotal moment came when the Coast Guard helicopter arrived at the scene. A skilled rescue swimmer promptly entered the water and, with the help of the helicopter crew, successfully hoisted all three individuals to safety. Following the rescue, they were transported to the Coast Guard’s Atlantic City air station, where they were met by emergency medical services personnel. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this heart-pounding rescue operation.