POINT PLEASANT – New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau Sgt. Michael Krauchuck rescued three occupants from a sinking vessel in the Point Pleasant Canal.
Around 5 p.m. on June 14, troopers from the Marine Services Bureau Point Pleasant Station were dispatched on the report of a 26-foot boat sinking in the Point Pleasant Canal in Point Pleasant.
A preliminary investigation indicates the boat began to take on water while traveling in the canal. A good Samaritan who was nearby helped transfer five occupants from the boat to land, while the operator and two other occupants stayed on board in an attempt to get the boat to a nearby dock.
They were unable to prevent the boat from taking on more water due to the rough condition and within minutes of the initial call, Sgt. Krauchuck responded to the scene and secured the sinking boat to his State Police vessel.
While attempting to pull the boat to the nearby dock, Sgt. Krauchuck realized that they would not make it, because the boat was taking on water too rapidly. As a result, Sgt. Krauchuck helped pull the three occupants onto his vessel and cut the lines before the boat sank.
All of the occupants were transported back to Point Pleasant Station for a medical evaluation by EMS. There were no reported injuries. Officials are saying Krauchuck’s quick and decisive actions helped prevent a tragedy.
