32 Rescued After Ocean City HS Rowing Team Blows Off Course

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Thirty-two were rescued Wednesday from Ocean City waters after the high school rowing team blew off course and began taking on water, city officials said.

It was shortly before 6 p.m. when firefighters and police responded to the area of the Tennessee Avenue boat ramp for a water rescue, the Ocean City Fire Department said.

A rapid change in weather conditions had caused several shells containing members of the Ocean City High School Crew to take on water and blow off course, firefighters said. Crews from Engines 1 and 2, Water Rescue-1, and Water Rescue-3, quickly launched to make contact with the subjects.

It was determined that 28 students and four coaches were in need of help, officials said. Firefighters and police called in off-duty EMS and a request for a mutual aid ambulance from Upper Township to assist.

All 32 were quickly rescued and evaluated. No injuries were reported.

"A fast response and strong teamwork between departments led to a positive outcome for all involved," the fire department said.