Sunken boat found after debris washed up on wildwood beach

WILDWOOD, NJ – Debris from a sunken vessel washed ashore in Wildwood on Tuesday, alerting New Jersey State Police Maritime Bureau officers and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Parts of a boat, including life jackets and a radio receiver/handset, washed up on the beach, prompting a search and rescue mission.

“The NJSP Marine Services Bureau and the United States Coast Guard responded and canvassed the area for a potential vessel in distress and located a sunken vessel,” the New Jersey State Police said.

After dispatching search and rescue operations from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City and Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay, the Coasties were able to locate the sunken ship, which appeared to be in pieces.

The Coast Guard said all crew members and passengers were accounted for, and no injuries were reported.

“Today’s Search and rescue crew dispatched to a case of reported life jackets found scattered on the beach in Wildwood Crest. Our crew responded fast and created an effective plan with the help of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay and U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City began their search patterns around the scattered debris field,” the Coast Guard said in a statement. “Quickly after beginning their search they found a sunken boat and quickly contacted its owner and confirmed all persons were accounted for.”

The 37 foot long Silverton rests under the water off Cape May about 500 yards west of the Cape May Inlet and west jetty.

At this time, it was not reported what caused the ship to sink. The Coast Guard is investigating.

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