Two children have died on a boating trip off New Jersey after the vessel they were aboard collided with a channel marker, pitching them into the water.
The boy, 7, and girl, 9, were sailing in a 30-foot Tidewater Custom 280 Sunday evening off Berkeley Township when the fatal incident occurred. Their boat hit Intercoastal Waterway’s Marker 39 at around 9 p.m., ejecting them into Barnegat Bay as darkness fell.
Also aboard were Stephen and Laurie Schneider of Bayville, 63 and 64 respectively, who are understood to be the children’s grandparents according to ABC News’s local affiliate. The victims have yet to be named.
The Schneiders reportedly discovered the children unresponsive in the water, hauled them back on board and, with the help of first responders, attempted to revive them.
They were taken to a local hospital in Toms River, but were ultimately pronounced dead.
New Jersey State Police recounted the facts of the tragedy in a statement, describing it as a “serious vessel crash” and reporting that the incident is still under investigation and that no charges have been filed.
They have yet to say whether they believe the weather, the speed of the boat, impairment or any mechanical issues may have played a part.
Jersey Shore Online reports that the group were seen at a restaurant on the waterfront before the accident, although investigators have yet to confirm that detail.
Councilman James Byrnes, who witnessed the aftermath, paid tribute to the emergency services personnel who attempted to revive the children and told ABC7: “The bay is unforgiving.”
He and a local charter business owner both told the network that all of the lights on the marker were working and switched on at the time of the disaster.
In another interview with News 12 New Jersey, a visibly emotional Byrnes said: “The firemen jumped right in… The one child had a life jacket next to him. Of course, with CPR being performed, they’re going to remove it.
“We make sure our first responders are taken care of. I have the equipment they need. They’re going to be living with this forever in our hearts, and our thoughts go out to the family. This is a real tragedy.”
Local resident Michelle Monticello told the same station: “I just came to pay my respects quietly. It’s a very tight community, feeling very disheartened, very sad.”
