PHILADELPHIA – The Coast Guard rescued three boaters from a grounded skiff near Egg Island Point, New Jersey, Wednesday.
The boaters notified the Coast Guard they were stranded Tuesday evening due to low tide, and of their decision to wait until the next high tide to attempt to move their boat.
The boaters could not refloat their vessel when high tide returned Wednesday morning.
The Coast Guard launched an MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City to bring the men to safety Wednesday morning.
The aircrew hoisted the men aboard the helicopter and brought them to the Millville Airport in Millville, New Jersey, where they were met by the local fire department.
No injuries were reported.
“It’s important for boaters to be familiar with the tides and currents in the area they're boating,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Steve Setnicky, a watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “When waters recede, boaters can find themselves in trouble, so it’s important they have operational communication devices, the right gear for the weather and they file a float plan with a friend or loved one in the event they don’t come back when planned.”
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