Three boaters rescued off Little Egg Harbor after vessel capsizes in stormy weather

LITTLE EGG HARBOR — Three people were rescued Saturday from water in Great Bay after their boat capsized due to stormy weather, according to the Coast Guard.

The 18-foot boat was anchored about a mile from the Great Bay Marina when its operator called the Coast Guard for help getting to shore. A second distress call was made after the boat began sinking due to weather, Coast Guard officials said in a news release.

A Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay helicopter crew came to rescue the boat's passengers, who were clinging to the sides of the capsized vessel, according to Coast Guard officials. TowBoatUS also arrived at the scene after hearing the distress call, but poor weather and shallow water prevented them from approaching the overturned boat, according to officials.

Once the helicopter arrived, a rescue swimmer helped the three boaters into the aircraft, according to the Coast Guard.

TowBoatUS crew stayed at the scene to update Coast Guard personnel at the Delaware Bay station throughout the rescue.

The three boaters were taken to Atlantic City's Coast Guard Air Station, where EMTs took over their care.

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"Thank you to my aircrew — Petty Officer Hugo Alonso, Petty Officer Peyton Murray, and Lt. Jack Walsh for an excellent performance," Coast Guard pilot in command Lt. Christopher Sullivan said in a news release. "We are all thankful that the three survivors are safe at home today."

No one was seriously injured, Coast Guard officials said.

Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 15 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Coast Guard rescues boaters after vessel capsizes in Little Egg Harbor