Coast Guard Saves 6 From Boat That Ran Aground Off Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY - Two adults and four children were rescued from a 17-foot boat that ran aground south of Great Island near Atlantic City on Thursday night, according to a U.S. Coast Guard release.

The Ventnor Police Department contacted Station Atlantic City at 10 p.m. to notify the Coast Guard of a Good Samaritan's report. She said could see lights and hear engines revving from her dock. The Ventnor Fire Department confirmed the lights and noises, which indicated a vessel was aground.

The Coast Guard launched a 29-foot Response Boat with a small crew from Station Great Egg to assist.

When the boat crew caught up with the stranded boaters, the boat was no longer aground, but the engines would not start. Fortunately, all of the passengers were wearing life jackets, the release says.

The boat crew towed the disabled vessel to Sunset Marina in Margate City.

“Everyone was wearing their life jackets, which is great,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik Strang, one of the boat crew members." Although in this case the situation was stable when we arrived, when you don’t have control of your vessel, bad things can happen quickly. By keeping your life jacket on, you’re prepared for whatever happens.”

Photo: Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard