2 Still Missing, 2 Dead In NJ Water Mishaps As Searches Go On

The unofficial start to summer was off to a tough start this week for New Jerseyans who flock to the water for recreation.

Two boaters remained missing Wednesday after exhaustive searches have gone on for days. And two others were found dead, including the body believed to be that of a man who went missing when a boat with five people on board overturned during Memorial Day weekend.

Indeed, the Memorial Day weekend itself was a tragic one for a number of New Jersey residents as at least 11 people died in a variety of incidents, with many more in mourning as the long weekend drew to a close. Read more: 11 Die In Series Of NJ Memorial Day Weekend Tragedies

The searches and tragedies harken back to last year, when 34 people died in water-related tragedies from May to September. Read more: 34 Die In New Jersey Water Deaths Since May As Trend Continues

Storms that are expected this week could also create problems for boaters and swimmers in New Jersey, as well as for the crews undergoing the extensive searches. Read more: Storm Alberto Could Ruin New Jersey's 1st Weekend Of June

Here is what's happened in New Jersey's waterways in the past few days:

Kayaker Still Missing In Morris County Reservoir: Cops

Officials were still searching for a missing kayaker in Splitrock Reservoir in Morris County on Wednesday, according to the State Police.

The search continued two days after the man went missing Monday afternoon when his kayak overturned in the Rockaway reservoir, police said.

The search went on for several hours on Monday before being paused for the night. It resumed Tuesday morning, paused again for the night, and then resumed again Wednesday, police said. Read more....

Search For Missing Man Goes On In Delaware Water Gap Area

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area officials said Wednesday that search and rescue crews continued to scour the Delaware River downstream from the I-80 bridge to search for a missing New Jersey man who was last seen Saturday afternoon when the canoe he was in capsized.

Crews were on and in the water again Wednesday, according to the National Park Service. River levels have dropped back to normal over the past few days, which means search conditions for the search have improved.

A second person in the canoe, a woman, was rescued by passing boaters and was later transported by ambulance to a local hospital. National Park service rangers and dive team members, volunteers from Portland Hook and Ladder staff are conducting the search.

Neither person was wearing a life jacket.

"Regardless of the river level, we strongly encourage everyone to wear a properly-fitted, US Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times when on or near the water," said Deputy Chief Ranger Joe Hinkes. "It's one simple thing that everyone can do to stay safe so they can come back to play another day." Read more...

Missing New Hope Man Found Dead

A New Hope man who went missing over the weekend was found dead in New Jersey this week, police have confirmed.

According to Solebury Township Police, the body of 51-year-old William Allen Brewer was located in the canal in Stockton on Tuesday afternoon. Preliminary investigation indicates his death was accidental, according to police. Read more here...

Body Recovered In Delaware River In South Jersey

An unidentified body was pulled from the Delaware River in South Jerseyon Saturday, police said. Around 12 noon, the body was discovered by a passing boat. The operator then notified police about the discovery, police said.

The person will remain unidentified until police notify the next of kin. The body was turned over to the Burlington County Medical Examiner's Office.

The body is believed to be that of a man who went missing when a boat with five people on board overturned Monday night, police said. The five people aboard a 16-foot recreational vessel ended up in the Delaware River after the boat crashed into a wake. Read more...

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