July 03, 2016
Wayne Parry/AP
Riders on personal watercraft speed across Barnegat Bay off the coast of Toms River N.J., on Saturday, June 23, 2012, the day authorities began a summer-long campaign to educate people about safety and environmental rules to protect the ecologically fragile waterway. Dozens of warnings were issued but no summonses were written.
The New Jersey State Police Marine Unit is investigating after a father and son were killed Saturday in a water collision at Somers Point in Atlantic County.
According to state police, the incident occurred at around 4:45 p.m. on the Patcong Creek when two personal watercraft (PWC) struck each other as they rounded a sharp turn.
The father and son, visitors from Maryland, were transported to Shore Memorial hospital where they were later pronounced dead. The driver of the second watercraft, a 55-year-old woman from Egg Harbor, survived with a broken wrist.
Authorities said there was no immediate indication that alcohol was a factor in the crash. At the time of the crash, the father was sitting behind his son on the PWC. Both vehicles were impounded at a nearby marina to undergo forensic examination by NJSP detectives.
While the incident remains under investigation, officials believe that a limited sight line at the crash scene and the boy's operation of the steering and controls were possible contributing factors.
Given the hazards and challenges of operating a PWC — particularly for inexperienced drivers — authorities advise visitors to consult the state's licensing requirements, operation laws and boating safety information.
