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R/V NAUVOO Rescues Teens from Capsized Boat

On Monday June 9, 2008, NOAA Fisheries R/V NAUVOO was returning from a long day on the water implementing a new scientific project when they noticed something out of the ordinary near the entrance to the Atlantic Highlands Marina in Sandy Hook, New Jersey.

Officer in Charge LTJG Amanda Goeller, Mate Peter Plantamura and scientific crew of the NAUVOO quickly realized it was an overturned vessel with three people in the water. The entrance to the marina is a hazard to anyone, much less people in the water, as the fast ferries to New York City embark in that same marina.

NAUVOO personnel recovered the three teens and their 12-foot aluminum craft and administered minor first aid. The three teenagers were taken to the marina with only a leaky boat and hurt pride.

After interviewing the teenagers we realized they simply made an error in judgment by taking out a vessel that was untested, not wearing life jackets and having no prior water knowledge.

Before leaving the NAUVOO, the crew ensured the teenagers would promise to wear life jackets on their next boat trip. Although the teenagers appeared unscathed by the ordeal, the situation could have been much worse as they overturned in front of the marina entrance which services several charter boats, 4 fast ferries, survey vessles, numerous sail boats and pleasure craft.