2 Rescued From Sinking Boat In Delaware Bay: U.S. Coast Guard

CAPE MAY, NJ – Two people were rescued Saturday from a sinking boat off the coast of Cumberland County in the Delaware Bay, officials said.

Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay watchstanders were notified that the 47-foot vessel Floating Dock was “rapidly taking on water” after it struck an “unidentified submerged object,” later identified as a buoy, in the Delaware Bay near Fortescue. The impact resulted in a hole in the bow of the boat, U.S. Coast Guard officials said.

The mariners attempted to fill the hole in the bow, but were unsuccessful.

A crew aboard a 29-foot Coast Guard vessel from Coast Guard Station Fortescue also attempted to dewater the pleasure craft, however efforts to dewater could not keep up with the pace of flooding, U.S. Coast Guard officials said. A 45-foot Coast Guard Station Cape May Response Boat arrived on scene to assist, but quickly capsized.

The Floating Dock ultimately sank in 18 feet of water, officials said.

The two mariners onboard the Floating Dock were transferred to the Coast Guard vessel and taken to shore with no reported injuries.

Mariners in the area have been warned of the partially submerged boat via a Safety Marine Information Broadcast.