Men Rescued from Canal After Canoe Overturns

By Davy James  

A fast-acting passerby was able to rescue two men caught in the lock current of the Delaware and Raritan Canal after their canoe overturned Sunday.

Shortly after 9:30 a.m., two South Brunswick residents canoeing in the canal found themselves in trouble after the vessel overturned in the churning water of the lock. The men were then pulled into the canal lock by the current, police said.

Tragedy was averted thanks to Lawrence Marchak, 47, of Haddon Township, who was nearby and witnessed the men in trouble. Marchak quickly tossed the men a rope and was able to pull them out of the undercurrent to safety, according to police. 

The victims refused medical treatment at the scene. South Brunswick Police, the Kingston First Aid Squad, paramedics and the New Jersey State Park Police responded to the call.