NEW YORK – Three people were rescued in Sandy Hook Channel, N.J., after their vessel partially sank at approximately 3:30 p.m. today.
The mariners were found clinging to the bow of their vessel by a 25-foot response boat crew from Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook. They were taken to a waiting Emergency Medical Service team at Station Sandy Hook where they were treated for cold exposure and released.
All three are listed in good condition. None of the mariners were wearing lifejackets.
“Apparently the vessel was swamped by a large wave, causing the stern to sink,” said Ensign Maria Rosario, Coast Guard Sector New York’s command duty officer. “Two of our boat crews were on scene within minutes and recovered the people. Sea Tow is now preparing to salvage the partially sunken boat.”
There were no reports of pollution.
The Coast Guard strongly urges mariners to wear lifejackets while out on the water as they greatly increase chances for survival.
Weather on scene was reported as four-foot seas and five to 10 mile-per-hour winds at the time of the incident.