A whale collided with a rescue boat from the Carteret Fire Department in New Jersey, leading to significant damage and prompting the crew to abandon ship quickly. The incident took place around 4:30 p.m. as the Marine Unit 2 was returning from a regional marine security patrol for the Fourth of July festivities in New York Harbor. The vessel experienced a violent jolt when a whale surfaced beneath it, causing “catastrophic damage” to the hull and resulting in rapid flooding that ultimately led to the boat sinking.
Fortunately, all crew members were wearing life jackets, which kept them safe in the water until help arrived. A nearby recreational jet ski operator and a civilian boater rushed to the scene to rescue the firefighters. Additionally, a marine unit from the Perth Amboy Fire Department responded swiftly to ensure the crew was brought safely ashore. Officials confirmed that all firefighters were accounted for and there were no injuries reported.
Mayor Reiman commented on the incident, highlighting that while the Carteret Fire Department is trained for various emergency situations, an encounter like this can be particularly unsettling. The event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of maritime environments and the importance of safety measures in such scenarios.
