OCEAN COUNTY – Two mariners were rescued Monday night by the Coast Guard after their vessel ran aground off the coast of Ocean County, officials said.
Coast Guard watchstanders were initially alerted over channel 16 via VHF-FM radio and attempted to make callouts but were unsuccessful. They later received a report from the New Jersey State Police that a 38-foot vessel ran aground on the north jetty of Barnegat Inlet.
Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light reacted swiftly with a 45-foot response boat and a 27-foot utility boat.
Crew from the utility boat were able to retrieve the two mariners and brought them back to safety at the Station Barnegat Light where EMS awaited.
Station Barnegat Light said that the operator of the boat had made the previous call over VHF-FM channel 16.
Both mariners were in stable condition and were released, the Coast Guard said.
Seaside Park Fire Company also responded to the scene with a shallow watercraft and confirmed that the vessel ran aground on a sand bed. There were no signs of pollution and the boat was removed the following day.
“With better weather approaching we anticipate more vessels to be out so we’re encouraging all mariners to be properly prepared,” said Operations Specialist Timothy Weitzel, operations unit watchstander at Sector Delaware Bay. “Inspecting gear, checking the weather before your trip, and planning accordingly are key components to ensuring you and your passengers all have a safe and fun voyage. Giving a friend or family member a float plan that includes your itinerary, vessel description, contact information, and who is traveling with you is another tool to ensure you’re accounted for. Making a safety plan in case of emergencies won’t take long, and knowing what steps to take could be the difference between life and death.”
