Kayaker Pulled From Barnegat Bay After Bridge Workers Hear Plea For Help

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A man was pulled from Barnegat Bay on Friday afternoon after two men working on the Tunney Bridge heard him calling for help after his kayak overturned, Toms River police said.

The kayaker, who was not identified, was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment following the rescue, said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

Randolph Fuson and Charles Baldwin of IEW Construction were performing maintenance on the Route 37 Tunney Bridge Friday when they noticed the overturned kayak, shortly after 3 p.m., Messina said.

They heard the kayaker calling for help and tossed a life vest and life ring to him, then held onto the rope to keep him in sight until additional help arrived, she said.

Toms River police arrived, and members of the Seaside Heights Fire and Police departments responded by boat to pull the kayaker from the water, Messina said.

Also assisting at the scene were the East Dover, Ocean Beach and Silverton volunteer fire companies, and the New Jersey State Police Marine Division.

"We’d like to commend Mr. Fuson and Mr. Baldwin for their vigilance and quick thinking," Messina said.

The incident remains under investigation by Toms River Police Officer Michael Hader.