Coast Guard Rescues Crew After Collision

News Release …

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Coast Guard rescued three men Thursday from their life raft approximately six miles east of Cape May, New Jersey.

The Coast Guard received a request for assistance from the captain aboard the 42-foot boat Last Stand, reporting they were sinking following a collision with the 78-foot Tug Dean Reinauer.

A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Cape May launched to assist. The RB-M crew arrived on scene and took the three boaters aboard from their life raft.

“The crew of the fishing vessel Last Stand was extremely prepared and knowledgeable on their safety equipment and procedures,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class James Pappas, Station Cape May officer of the day. “Their readiness allowed them to abandon shipwithin 10 minutes of the collision, including scrambling into their survival suits and ultimately into their life raft. They saved their own lives.”

The Last Stand sank, and no injuries were reported.

Last Stand at sea …

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Thankfully no one was hurt in this incident.  The water is still in the upper to low fifties.  Those are some dangerous temperatures.  Even though it is warm out, well except today, keep in mind the water is still deadly if you had to tread water for any amount of time.  Make sure you have all your safety gear.  Lots of boats going out for tautog and striped bass, you never know what can happen so it is always better to be prepared.  I have friends that are water-man,  tug captains, pilot ship captains, charter captains, head boat captains,  … name a profession on the water.  This time of year they all know it is dangerous, and when something like this happens you think of them the most.  Many recreational boaters are coming down the next few weekends to ride around for the first time this year.  This kind of accident can happen anywhere, and leave you stranded.  Water does not have to be that deep to be dangerous.  Be safe and smart boating this year.  Take it easy the first few times out and always be prepared.  Remember the inland bay bottom changes every year, so be careful and follow the buoys.  Pushing a boat off a bar this time of year sucks, and can go south fast …  been there done that.

Fish On!!

Rich King