Good Samaritan Rescues 22 People From Sinking Charter Boat in NJ, Coast Guard Says

The commercial charter boat "Starfish" reportedly struck a bridge near Sea Isle City, N.J., on July 11, 2022. (Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic)

A good Samaritan brought 22 passengers aboard a sinking charter boat to safety on Monday after the boat reportedly struck a bridge in New Jersey, officials said.

In a news release, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Mid-Atlantic applauded the “amazing initiative and great work” of the good Samaritan, noting that nobody was injured in the incident.

The charter boat, dubbed “Starfish,” reportedly allided with the Townsend Inlet Bridge near Sea Isle City late on Monday, the agency said.

The commercial charter boat "Starfish" reportedly struck a bridge near Sea Isle City, N.J., on July 11, 2022. (Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic)

After the commercial vessel struck the bridge, which caused a gash in the boat’s starboard hull, the captain ran the vessel aground near the Sea Isle Yacht Club to avoid sinking as a few compartments began to flood, USGC spokeswoman Cynthia Oldham told Patch.

The good Samaritan, who was not identified, helped to remove all 22 passengers from the charter boat and took them to the docks in Sea Isle City, where emergency medical services were waiting to assist, according to the coast guard.

“Thank you to all who responded to help out the passengers and crew,” the agency said.

A dive team has since conducted an investigation in the area to assess possible damage to the vessel and pollution in the waters. The operation later confirmed that the ship’s fuel tanks were still intact and no pollution was reported.

Officials said a local salvage crew worked to dewater the damaged vessel and remained with the boat as a damage and tow plan was created.

According to the family-owned company’s website, “Starfish Boats” has been a dominant name in the boating industry for more than 50 years, offering fishing trips and party cruises.

From NTD News