Man piloting sailboat in Barnegat Bay capsizes, rescued by fellow boater, U.S. Coast Guard
A boater came upon a capsized sailboat in Barnegat Bay Tuesday and plucked the man who had been operating it out of the water, authorities said.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard's Sector Delaware Bay received a mayday call at 5:36 p.m. from the the man who rescued the sailor.
The distressed mariner was handed off to a crew in a 29-foot response boat from U.S. Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light. The man, who was wearing a life vest, suffered no major injuries, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a statement.
Water safety: Three rescued from sinking boat by good Samaritan in Sandy Hook Bay
“The fact that the mariner was wearing a life jacket, had a radio, and a good Samaritan was willing to step in and help made all the difference,” said Chief Petty Officer Matthew Whitlow, the executive petty officer of Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light.
The two sailors were friends, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Bokum, from the Coast Guard's 5th Division public affairs detachment in Baltimore. The good Samaritan who rescued the man was also piloting a sailboat, Bokim said.
Other details about both men were few.
The capsized sailboat was righted by a commercial salvage boat and towed to Ocean Gate Marina in Bayville.
The Coast Guard is urging recreational boaters to follow these linked safety protocols during the summer.
Ken Serrano covers breaking news, crime and investigations. Reach him at 732-643-4029 or kserrano@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Man found in Barnegat Bay near capsized sailboat saved by other sailor
