The Coast Guard towed a disabled 75-foot fishing vessel with three people aboard Tuesday after the boat lost power approximately two miles offshore, according to the Coast Guard.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Manasquan Inlet received a call from the captain of Ocean One reporting they lost all power and did not have enough anchor line to anchor, the Coast Guard reported in a prepared statement.
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A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from the station responded and, once on scene, the Coast Guard crew realized Ocean One’s forward tow bit was broken in half. Using Ocean One’s bridle, the motor life boat crew towed the disabled boat to a pier in Point Pleasant Beach where it was inspected.
“After inspecting this boat, we found several safety violations, making it a hazard for the people aboard and potentially others in the water,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Gera, a boarding officer from Station Manasquan Inlet, in the statement.
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“The three people were wearing their life jackets, but keeping a boat in a good, safe condition is crucial to ensure safety on the water. The Coast Guard urges all boaters to check the condition and function of their boat's gear prior to getting underway," Gera said.
When Gera was asked on the phone what type of violations were found and whether charges were filed, he said the matter is still under investigation, that charges "are being submitted now," but that he cannot yet disclose those details.
The names and hometowns of those on board were also not immediately available.
Patch will update this story if more information becomes available.
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