TOMS RIVER, N.J. — What began as one of the Jersey Shore’s largest summer boating weekends and on-the-water celebrations ended in tragedy Saturday night when a fatal boating crash claimed one life and left three others injured on the Barnegat Bay.
Thousands of recreational boaters descended on the bay for the annual FloatShoalla gathering, a tradition that transforms Tices Shoal and surrounding waters into one of New Jersey’s largest floating parties. The celebration draws hundreds of boats, personal watercraft, and large groups of people who anchor together throughout the day before returning to marinas across Ocean County.
Hours after the festivities, emergency crews were dispatched to a serious boating incident in Toms River after a vessel reportedly struck an object in the water.
Initial emergency reports indicated a man was unconscious and suffering from severe head injuries when the boat reached shore. As additional information came in, authorities requested more ambulances after learning multiple passengers had been injured. At least two victims were initially reported to have sustained life-threatening injuries.
Initial reports suggested the incident happened in the area of Tices Shoal.
Source: 911 Dispatch audio
Multiple EMS agencies, fire departments, police officers, and rescue personnel responded to the scene as first responders worked to stabilize victims.
Reports later confirmed one person died from injuries sustained in the crash while three others were injured.
The identities of those involved have not been released, and investigators have not yet identified what object the vessel struck.
The fatal accident was followed by a boating safety message from Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy urging boaters to make safety their top priority during one of the busiest weekends of the year on the Barnegat Bay.
Several other minor incidents, including a jetski crash were reported earlier in the day.
“We want everyone on the water to have a safe and fun experience,” the Ocean County Sheriff’s Marine Services Unit says in its boating safety message. “That begins with education and being courteous to others. Together we can make our waterways safer and cleaner for everyone.”
The Sheriff’s Marine Services Unit patrols the Barnegat Bay from the Manasquan Inlet to Little Egg Harbor, responding to boating emergencies, search and rescue operations, medical calls, and enforcing New Jersey’s boating and navigation laws.
Saturday’s fatal crash occurred less than a week after another devastating boating tragedy on the Barnegat Bay claimed the lives of two young children when a family boat struck a channel marker.
Following that crash, the New Jersey State Police reminded boaters that operators are responsible for maintaining a safe speed at all times and reducing speed to produce the minimum wake when navigating near marinas, docks, bridges, emergency vessels, swimmers, and other hazards.
State Police also continue to urge all boaters to wear properly fitted life jackets, check weather conditions before heading onto the water, maintain a proper lookout, carry all required safety equipment, and never operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Floatchella has become one of the largest annual boating gatherings at the Jersey Shore, centered at Tices Shoal near Island Beach State Park. Additional gatherings are held at F Cove in Brick Township, with local charter operators transporting passengers to the event throughout the weekend.
Ahead of the crash, state officials anticipated huge crowds and closed the beach access from Tices Shoals to boats and cars.
A message on the Island Beach State Park page operated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection read:
****ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK IS NOT AN ACCESS FOR TICES SHOAL****
Do not expect to be dropped off from IBSP as floats are not allowed in the park.
Please further be advised that parking areas 6, 7 and 8 near Fisherman’s Walkway at Tices Shoal will be closed to all vehicles Saturday and Sunday 7/25 & 7/26
The latest fatal boating crash remains under investigation. This is an early report. Law enforcement has not yet released any official statement on the matter. The incident report was created using verified scanner audio and witness reports. Initial communications are based on on-the-ground reports from first responders.
