LITTLE EGG HARBOR – On Sunday, three mariners were recused by the Coast Guard after their boat grounded near Little Egg Harbor, officials said.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay command center received a report from the 36-foot pleasure craft Phyllis II through VHF channel 16 stating that their boat was stuck in shallow water.
The 29-foot Response Boat Small –II boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Atlantic City was dispatched to the scene. However, they were unable to reach the Phyllis II due to low tide.
Subsequently, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City was launched and the aircrew hoisted the three mariners off their boat and brought them to Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City.
“Situations like this emphasize the importance of using Channel 16 as an effective way to seek help in times of distress,” said Chief Petty Officer Charles Osenbach, the command duty officer in the Sector Delaware Bay command center, “We encourage mariners to be prepared at all times when on the water.”
Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay said that plans to salvage the vessel are currently in progress.
