Rescue After Vessel Sinks in Point Pleasant Canal

POINT PLEASANT BORO – Three people who were aboard a sinking vessel in the Point Pleasant Canal were rescued this week.

The incident happened on Sunday at approximately 5:08 p.m. when troopers from the Marine Services Bureau in Point Pleasant were dispatched to a 26-foot boat sinking in the Point Pleasant Canal, police said.

The boat began to take on water while traveling in the canal, police said. A good samaritan who was nearby helped transfer five people from the boat to land, while the operator and two other people stayed on board in an attempt to get the boat to a nearby dock, police said.

Because of the rough conditions, they were unable to prevent the boat from taking on more water, police said.

Within minutes of the initial call, Sgt. Michael Krauchuck responded to the scene and secured the sinking boat to his State Police vessel, police said.

"Sgt. Krauchuck’s quick and decisive actions may have helped prevent a tragedy," the State Police said.

While attempting to pull the boat to the nearby dock, Krauchuck realized that they would not make it because the boat was taking on water too rapidly, police said.

As a result, Krauchuck helped pull the three occupants onto his vessel and cut the lines before the boat sank, police said.

All of the occupants were transported back to Point Pleasant Station for a medical evaluation by EMS. There were no reported injuries.