MANASQUAN INLET, N.J. — The Coast Guard, good Samaritans and local partner agencies responded to an overturned vessel with seven people aboard Friday in Manasquan Inlet.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Manasquan Inlet received a call at approximately 1:30 p.m., via marine radio Channel 16 of an overturned pontoon vessel in Manasquan Inlet.
A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Station Manasquan Inlet and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City responded to the vessel in distress.
Two of the boaters were pronounced deceased, four were taken to Ocean Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries and one refused medical treatment.
"The Coast Guard along with multiple other partner agencies and good Samaritans responded immediately when we received the call," said Chief Warrant Officer Chris Sparkman, the commanding officer of Station Manasquan Inlet. "This is a sobering reminder to always check the weather before heading out, and to always wear a life jacket while boating."
The New Jersey State Police Crime Scene Unit Central, Fatal Accident Unit and Major Crime Unit responded to assist at the scene. The investigation remains active and ongoing.