Boat Carrying 14,000 Pounds Of Squid Rescued Off NJ Coast: Officials

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - A commercial fishing vessel carrying 14,000 pounds of squid and five crew members was towed to safety nearly 100 miles from the Jersey Shore Thursday, officials said.

After the 78-foot boat Yankee Pride became disabled off the shore of Barnegat Light on Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard helped to pull the vessel to New Jersey despite roughly five-foot-high seas, heavy rain and 20 to 30 knot winds, Coast Guard officials said in a statement.

The Yankee Pride became disabled due to a shaft issue, a U.S. Coast Guard Station Atlantic City spokesperson told Patch, with crew requesting assistance to the closest port.

The mission was a team effort from the Coast Guard Cutter Kingfisher ship, Coast Guard Station Atlantic City and search and rescue coordinators, officials added.

“This case showcased exceptional teamwork,” Lt. Alex Kloo, Commanding Officer of the USCG Station Atlantic City, said in a statement. “The Coast Guard crews executed a flawless handoff that allowed the Yankee Pride and her crew to get home safely, despite the challenging weather conditions."

The rescue comes just days after another high-profile Coast Guard operation, which resulted in the safe return of two missing boaters that left Cape May earlier this month. Read more: Missing Boaters Who Left From Cape May Found: Coast Guard