3 Rescued From Capsized Boat In Little Egg Harbor: Coast Guard

LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ — Three were rescued from Great Bay waters by the Coast Guard Saturday afternoon after their boat capsized, officials said.

The operator of the 18-foot disabled vessel used radio to contact Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay watchstanders asking for assistance going to shore, the Coast Guard said in a news release. He said he had three people aboard the boat and they were about a mile from Great Bay Marina.

Shortly after the first call, the boat's operator sent another call to the Coast Guard saying that his boat was going down due to inclement weather, officials said.

Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay search and rescue coordinators initiated a distress phase, rerouting an already-airborn MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from routine training, according to the release.

A commercial salvage team from TowBoatUS also heard the call and arrived to the scene, communicating with the Coast Guard and monitoring the situation as the weather and shallow water conditions prevented them from physically helping, the Coast Guard said.

The boat's three occupants were in the water, clinging to the boat's overturned hull, the Coast Guard said.

When the Coast Guard helicopter crew arrived on the scene a rescue swimmer deployed into the water and worked with the helicopter crew to hoist all three mariners to safety.

"With the help of an exceptional crew, we were able to efficiently and effectively execute the Coast Guard's mission of safeguarding lives at sea," said Lt. Christopher Sullivan, the pilot in command. "Thank you to my aircrew - Petty Officer Hugo Alonso, Petty Officer Peyton Murray, and Lt. Jack Walsh for an excellent performance. We are all thankful that the three survivors are safe at home today."

The three were taken to Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, where they were treated by waiting emergency medical service personnel, the Coast Guard said. No injuries were reported.

Check out video of the rescue below: