Sea Tow captain calls for task force to investigate deadly summer on Barnegat Bay
Since May, three boats crashed into metal channel markers like these, resulting in four deaths. Operators Jennifer Pearson, Stephen Schneider and Kevin Wells, all charged with causing those deaths while intoxicated.
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After a summer that left four people dead and three arrested for drunk boating on the Barnegat Bay, New Jersey State Police will increase marine patrols during the upcoming holiday weekend.
Captain Walt Bohn, of Sea Tow Central Jersey, responded to some of the tragedies on the water this year.
"The number of accidents, the alcohol-involved incidents is just astonishing. It's something unprecedented that we haven't seen in years past.
Since May, three boats crashed into metal channel markers like these, resulting in four deaths. Operators Jennifer Pearson, Stephen Schneider and Kevin Wells, all charged with causing those deaths while intoxicated.
"Alcohol on a boat intensifies all the effects because of the air, the heat, the motion of the water, the vibration of the engines," said Bohn.
State police will be on enhanced patrol this weekend, while the Coast Guard has the ability to do spot safety checks at any time, but Bohn says more needs to be done.
"There should be some type of task force, council or agency that can start to look at these incidents like they do on the highways."
Bohn wants boaters, marina operators, and law enforcement to all work together on creating new safety protocols while still ensuring the freedom of a summer of fun.
"If you're not doing anything wrong, then you don't have anything to worry about," he said.
