2 Rescued From Aground Boat In Barnegat Inlet: Coast Guard

BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ — Two were rescued after their boat ran aground Monday night off the coast of Barnegat Light, the United States Coast Guard said.

Coast Guard watchstanders received the initial alert via radio and attempted to make callouts but were unsuccessful, the Coast Guard said.

As units prepared to respond, the Coast Guard 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 launched a 45-foot response boat medium and a 27-foot utility boat.

The two mariners were brought aboard the 27-foot boat and taken back to Station Barnegat Light where EMS was waiting, the Coast Guard said.

The operator of the vessel was the one who made the initial radio call, Station Barnegat Light confirmed.

Both boaters were in stable condition and were released, the Coast Guard said.

Seaside Park Fire responded shoreside with a shallow watercraft to confirm the vessel ran aground on a sand bed and that there were no signs of pollution. The vessel was removed Tuesday morning by a commercial provider and taken to a local marina for repair.

“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.”