3 Rescued, Boater Search Continues As Hurricane Lee Hits Jersey Shore

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — Swimming was banned at many beaches over the weekend as Hurricane Lee stirred up rough surf and poor conditions, but at least three swimmers were rescued from a rip current and a search for a missing boater was called off due to the hurricane's impact, according to officials.

Lifeguards saw the three swimmers struggling around 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the 21st Avenue beach in North Wildwood, according to NJ Advance Media.

Two men and a woman who were about 80 yards off the shoreline were brought safely back to shore, the report said.

All three were conscious when brought ashore and were checked out by EMTs, NJ Advance Media reported. None seemed to be in life-threatening condition, but the woman was taken to the hospital as a precaution, the report said.

The powerful waves stirred up by Hurricane Lee also hampered efforts to search for a man who remains missing after a boat capsized at Manasquan Inlet on Thursday night.

On Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for the man, who has since been identified as Derek Narby, 21, of Brick, Sgt. Philip Curry said Monday afternoon. The search has since resumed.

“The Coast Guard has suspended its search pending further developments,” Petty Officer 3rd Class Kimberly Reaves said.

New Jersey State Police also suspended their search on Saturday but resumed searching on Sunday, Curry said.

While divers were brought in Thursday night, Curry said they have not been able to dive on the submerged boat as of Monday morning.

“Anchoring a vessel and SCUBA operations are not feasible or safe at this time due to conditions caused by Hurricane Lee,” Curry said.

Waves of 2 to 4 feet and showers are forecast for Monday, with conditions expected to worsen over the day with increasing wind.

The 31-foot boat capsized Thursday night after being hit by “large seas,” New Jersey State Police said. News 12 New Jersey reported a 10-foot wave was recorded by a nearby buoy. A father and two of his sons were on board, and the father and one son were rescued.