A 35-foot sailboat en route from Barnegat to Absecon Inlet ran aground on shoals off Brigantine, New Jersey, leading to a prompt and coordinated rescue operation by Local 2657 members.
The incident occurred late at night, with the vessel leaning dangerously to one side and being battered by heavy breakers when rescue crews arrived on the scene. The rescue took place in the water and the boat later ran aground.
Fortunately, both sailors on board, who were traveling from Baltimore to Maine, were unharmed.
Local 2657 President and Captain Pete Frugoli provided details about the rescue operation.
“We received an urgent call from the Coast Guard about the boat in distress, and our team was immediately deployed. At Brigantine Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services, we have a dive team and we’re also ocean rescue,” said Frugoli. “Our ocean rescue team is always on standby for such emergencies.”
Local 2657 members Steven Hardiman and Ryan Solari were dispatched as rescue swimmers to assist the sailors. Their exceptional bravery and skill were evident throughout the late rescue operation.
We trained for it, and everything was seamless. Those guys did great.
Pete Frugoli, local 2657 president
Following the rescue, the sailors were brought to safety, and the boat was later salvaged.
“We brought them back to the firehouse to dry out, fed them, and found somewhere for them to stay before heading back to Baltimore,” said Frugoli.
A job well done for the Local 2657 members who helped save lives in challenging nighttime conditions.
“Just a great job,” said Frugoli. “I mean, you know, we trained for it, and everything was seamless. Those guys did great.”
