FDNY Marine 8 rescued a woman struggling in the waters of Raritan Bay after she became separated from a disabled jet ski and drifted hundreds of yards away.
NEW YORK, NY — An afternoon jet ski ride turned into a life-threatening emergency when a woman became separated from a disabled personal watercraft and was found struggling in the waters of Raritan Bay as she drifted toward a busy shipping channel, according to the Fire Department of New York.
At about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, FDNY Marine 8 responded after the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sector New York reported a person in distress on a personal watercraft in Raritan Bay.
Marine 8 located the disabled jet ski about one mile off the shoreline near Ideal Beach.
The operator told firefighters that his passenger had fallen into the water. He said he was unable to restart the jet ski and had lost sight of her.
Firefighters brought the operator aboard Marine 8, conducted a medical evaluation, and then began a track line search of the area.
The crew located the missing passenger about 600 yards from the disabled jet ski as she was entering the Raritan Bay shipping channel.
According to the FDNY, the woman appeared exhausted and was struggling to keep her head above water.
Marine 8 crews used a throw rope to bring her safely aboard the rescue vessel. She was evaluated for injuries, wrapped in a blanket, and treated for hypothermia.
Both the jet ski operator and the rescued passenger were taken to the Keyport Municipal Boat Ramp, where they were transferred to EMS for further evaluation and treatment.
Key Points
- FDNY Marine 8 rescued a woman after she became separated from a disabled jet ski in Raritan Bay.
- The woman was found about 600 yards away drifting toward the Raritan Bay shipping channel.
- She was treated for hypothermia before both riders were transferred to EMS at Keyport Municipal Boat Ramp.
