Coast Guard Rescues 4 Boaters Near Keansburg Sunday

KEANSBURG, NJ — The heavy-weather boatcrew from the U.S. Coast Guard Sandy Hook station rescued four men who were stranded aboard a 22-foot vessel near Keansburg Sunday.

The U.S. Coast Guard received a 911 call from Perth Amboy dispatch at around noon Sunday of a disabled 22-foot pleasure craft in Raritan Bay, with four people aboard, and launched the Sandy Hook heavy weather boatcrew.

When the Coast Guard got there, they found the boat, designed for calm, lake conditions, was not seaworthy for the rough seas and wind. The on scene weather was 30-knot winds and three to five-foot seas. The four men had to be taken off the boat.

“This type of boat was designed to be operated on lakes, not the ocean,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Jennifer Smith, a crewmember at Station Sandy Hook. “Before leaving the dock, you should always check the weather, file a float plan, check your lifesaving equipment and ensure your vessel is safe to be out on the water.”

Due to safety concerns, the boatcrew was not able to tow the vessel and left the 22-foot pleasure craft at anchor. Commercial salvage will tow the vessel when weather permits. The boatcrew safely transferred the four men ashore to Atlantic Highlands Marina with no reported medical concerns.

All photos of the rescue Sunday, Nov. 19 provided by the U.S. Coast Guard.