Man Rescued From Sinking Boat In The Delaware Bay

DOWNE TWP., NJ — A man was rescued from a sinking boat in the Delaware Bay in Cumberland County, officials said.

It was 6:22 p.m. Monday when the Downe Twp. Fire/Rescue and Dive Team went to False Egg Island for the report of a 20-foot vessel taking on water and sinking, the team said.

While leaving the dock, the team learned that the boat's occupant had abandoned the vessel and was swimming to the shore.

The team located the man and two rescue swimmers were sent to help him due to wind, waves and shallow water.

When the swimmers got to the man, they learned he was cold and had reportedly been in the water for close to an hour, officials said.

He was secured in a personal flotation device and swam back to the team's rescue boat and headed to the dock. At the dock, he was evaluated by EMS and refused further medical treatment, officials said.

"Great job by our team of boat operators, swimmers, and shore personnel in less than ideal conditions," the team said.