A fire rescue boat from Carteret, New Jersey, sank after a collision with a whale while returning from security duties in New York Harbor following Fourth of July celebrations. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. near the mouth of Raritan Bay, between New Jersey and Staten Island.
The vessel, Marine Unit 2, was returning from a detail near the Statue of Liberty when it was struck from below by a whale that breached the surface. The impact caused significant damage, leading the boat to take on water rapidly.
Firefighters aboard the vessel were forced to abandon ship and tread water. They were quickly assisted by a passing jet skier and a recreational boater who helped them onto their vessels until rescue units from the Perth Amboy Fire Department arrived. All firefighters were reported to be safe and returned home without injury.
According to the Carteret Fire Department, a nearby recreational vessel reported seeing a pod of whales in the area before and after the collision. The department expressed gratitude for the swift rescue by civilians and other marine units, noting the unexpected nature of the event for its trained personnel.
It remains unclear if the whale sustained any injuries from the encounter. The fire department stated that while their marine unit trains for various emergencies, an incident of this magnitude was unforeseen.