Search For Missing Boater Continues In Manasquan Inlet Incident

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — The search for a missing boater is continuing, more than 24 hours after a boat capsized in Manasquan Inlet.

U.S. Coast Guard crews and the New Jersey State Police Marine unit were searching the inlet and a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean from just off Manasquan south to Seaside Heights, but rough seas were making the search difficult.

Preliminary information from the investigation indicated the boat "was overtaken by large seas," New Jersey State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan said Friday. The large waves caused the three people on the boat to be thrown into the water, Marchan said.

Surveillance video showed a wave hitting the boat in the inlet, ABC 7 reported; Manasquan Inlet can be rough under normal conditions.

Officials at Coast Guard Station Manasquan Inlet on Friday morning said the boat capsized, and that Point Pleasant Beach police were able to help two of the people to safety but the third was missing.

The three people on board the 31-foot boat were a father and two sons who are from Ocean County, Manasquan Mayor Edward Donovan told the Asbury Park Press. Authorities have not yet identified the missing man or the two who were rescued.

News 12 New Jersey reported the waves at Manasquan Inlet were very strong and had pounded the boat at the inlet Thursday night when it capsized. Video published by News 12 showed a life raft floating in the ocean off the inlet.

A small craft advisory is in effect until at least 6 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Coast Guard officials were asking people to stay away from the area to give crews time and space for the investigation.

"Our crews, as well as other outside agencies, are working hard to locate the remaining missing person and to collect debris from the accident," the Coast Guard said Friday morning. "We kindly ask the boating public to please give the rescue crews the time and space we need to complete this mission."

"We also ask that the public please refrain from spreading false information regarding the accident," the Coast Guard statement said. "Please only take into account updates you receive from us or other official sources."