Officers Perform Timely Water Rescue After Personal Watercraft Collision
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ – On Friday, August 11th, at 3:56 P.M., a routine patrol on the Metedeconk River by Lieutenant Paul Catalina and Officers Andriy Shevchuk and Carissa Pagnotta turned into a life-saving rescue.
While patrolling the river, the officers came across a female in distress and an unoccupied wave runner personal watercraft (PWC). The female had collided with her boyfriend, who was operating another PWC, resulting in her ejection from the craft and into the water. She was found complaining of leg pain, later determined to be a broken leg.
Utilizing a boat pole, the officers reached the victim and were able to pull her onto the patrol boat. She was then transported to Pier 281 Marina on Princeton Avenue, where EMTs were waiting to take her to the hospital for treatment of her injuries. Officer Shevchuk safely moved her wave runner to the marina.
The NJSP Marine Unit responded to handle the crash report. Redacted body camera footage, due to the victim’s age, documented the officers’ swift actions in pulling her onto the boat and later carrying her to the dock where EMTs were waiting.
Chief David Forrester commended the officers, stating that their “quick and decisive actions prevented further harm to a young woman in danger.” The incident underscores the importance of water safety and the role of law enforcement in protecting and serving the community in unexpected circumstances.