Stafford Township, NJ – On August 23rd, 2024, at approximately 5:00am, the Stafford Township Police Marine Unit responded to a call for assistance from the United States Coast Guard regarding a vessel that had struck an intercoastal water marker. The vessel sustained heavy damage, began taking on water, and one individual on board was injured.
Sergeant Christopher Smith and Patrolman Justin Barbuto, members of the Marine Unit, were the first to arrive on the scene. They quickly located the vessel, which had been beached near Thorofare Island to prevent it from sinking, and safely brought both occupants aboard their vessel. The United States Coast Guard from Barnegat Light also arrived shortly after and provided first aid to the injured boater. Both individuals were then transported to a nearby boatyard, where they received further medical treatment from the Great Bay First Aid Squad. Fortunately, the injuries sustained were not life-threatening.
The New Jersey State Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.