4 Rescued From Absecon Inlet A Few Hours Apart: Coast Guard

BRIGANTINE, NJ — Four people were rescued from being swept away into Absecon Inlet in two separate incidents this past weekend, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard Atlantic City Station responded to the two search-and-rescue cases with a two-and-a-half hour timespan on Sept. 23.

One case involved two young girls swept out to sea on surfboards, and the other involved two adult men in distress in inner tubes, the Coast Guard said in a release.

“We’re always standing by 24/7 ready to go,” said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Matthew Asire, commanding officer, Coast Guard Station Atlantic City. “Whether that’s a quick five minute case right around the corner or we’re heading off shore for a tow in heavy weather – no matter what we’re standing by ready to go.”

It was about 11:47 a.m. Saturday when Coast Guard watchstanders got a call from Brigantine police that two young girls, ages 11 and 14, were being swept out to Absecon Inlet on surfboards, the Coast Guard said.

Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast Notice to mariners and diverted nearby Coast Guard Station Atlantic City 29-foot Response Boat-Small II reservist crew in response.

The two girls were safely recovered at about 11:55 a.m. and were returned to Station Atlantic City and local emergency responders.

Then just a short while later at about 2:03 p.m., watchstanders got another report from Brigantine police that two men were in distress along Absecon Inlet in inner tubes, the Coast Guard said.

The men were rescued at about 2:10 p.m. and were taken back to Brigantine Cove, the Coast Guard said.

According to the Coast Guard, the weather on scene was winds of 12 mph and seas up to 4 feet.