TOMS RIVER, N.J. – A 26-year-old Somerset County man was killed and two others suffered serious injuries after a boat struck an Intracoastal Waterway channel marker in Barnegat Bay late Saturday night, according to the New Jersey State Police.
Troopers responded at approximately 10:56 p.m. Saturday to a report of a serious vessel crash in the Intracoastal Waterway in Toms River Township. Investigators said a preliminary investigation found a 32-foot Boston Whaler struck a channel marker before the vessel’s operator navigated to a residence on Silver Lagoon Drive, where emergency responders rendered aid.
One man killed, two others seriously injured
State Police identified the victim as Michael T. Bereheiko, 26, of Green Brook, who was transported to a nearby hospital and later pronounced dead.
Steven Pochick, 27, of Green Brook, and Nicholas Cherasaro, 27, of North Plainfield, sustained serious injuries and were taken to an area hospital. Sarah Stulh, 24, of Bayville, suffered minor injuries.
Authorities said the vessel was being operated by Kevin Wells, 39, of Warren. The crash remains under investigation, and State Police have not released additional information regarding the cause of the collision.
Second deadly channel marker crash in six days
The fatal crash comes less than a week after another tragedy on Barnegat Bay involving a navigation marker.
On Sunday, July 19, authorities said a 30-foot Tidewater Custom vessel struck Channel Marker 39 near the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. According to the New Jersey State Police and the U.S. Coast Guard, the impact threw a 9-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy overboard.
The children were pulled from the water by the boat’s occupants and responding rescuers before being transported to a Toms River hospital, where both died from their injuries. Officials identified Stephen Schneider, 63, as the operator of that vessel.
Berkeley Township officials said Channel Marker 39 was functioning properly at the time of the crash, with its navigation lights operating normally.
State Police urge safe boating
Following the recent fatal incidents, the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau reminded boaters that safe operation is critical, particularly during the busy summer boating season.
The agency urged boaters to designate a sober operator, avoid excessive speed, wear properly fitted life jackets, maintain navigation lights during nighttime operation, remain alert for hazards, and avoid distractions while operating a vessel.
The two fatal crashes involving Barnegat Bay navigation markers in less than one week have renewed attention on boating safety in one of New Jersey’s busiest recreational waterways. While the two incidents are not linked, they both occurred when vessels struck fixed channel markers, highlighting the importance of cautious navigation, especially at night and in heavily traveled channels.
