Tragic Boat Accident Claims Life off Long Beach Island, Police Report

Boater Dies After Incident in Barnegat Bay

Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ – A tragic boating incident in Barnegat Bay on Sunday resulted in the death of a Princeton man, authorities have confirmed.

At approximately 9:57 a.m., law enforcement responded too reports of the accident near Little Egg Harbor Township. Preliminary investigations reveal that the 27-foot Robalo vessel encountered a large wake, causing two individuals to be thrown from the boat.

According to police, the vessel subsequently circled and struck one of those ejected from the boat. The man, identified as 56-year-old Karl Chen of Princeton, New Jersey, succumbed to his injuries.

The second person ejected from the boat sustained what authorities have described as minor injuries.

Eyewitness video circulating online shows the boat making multiple circles in the water before emergency personnel arrived on the scene.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with boating, especially in areas with high vessel traffic and conditions causing large wakes. Proper lookout, safe operating speeds, and awareness of surroundings are paramount for all boaters.

| Incident Overview | Details |
|—|—|
| Date | Sunday |
| Time | 9:57 a.m |
| Location | Barnegat Bay, near Little Egg Harbor Township |
| Vessel Type | 27-foot Robalo |
| Fatalities | One (Karl Chen, age 56 of Princeton, NJ) |
| Injuries | One (minor) |
| Cause | Boat struck ejected person after hitting a wake |

This is a developing story; check back for more details.

CORRECTION: The original article was incorrectly reported to have occurred off Beach Haven and Holgate and has been updated to reflect it happened off the coast of Little Egg Harbor Township.

Did You Know? According to the U.S. Coast Guard, operator inexperience is a leading factor in boating accidents. Taking a boating safety course and ensuring all boaters are familiar with local regulations can greatly reduce risks.

Pro Tip: Always wear a life jacket,even if you’re an experienced swimmer. Life jackets significantly increase survival rates in boating accidents.

What factors might have contributed to the delay between the distress call and the recovery of Michael Davies, considering he was found an hour after the initial report while the other survivors were located within 30 minutes?

Details of the Incident

On August 24, 2025, at approximately 14:30 EST, the Long Beach Island Coast Guard and local police responded to a distress call reporting a boating accident approximately 3 nautical miles offshore. The incident involved a 21-foot recreational fishing boat, registered to a resident of Toms river, New Jersey. Preliminary investigations confirm one fatality and two injuries.

The deceased has been identified as Michael davies, 62, of Toms River. The two injured individuals, Sarah Jenkins, 35, and David Miller, 40, both also from Toms River, were transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The extent of their injuries includes fractures and hypothermia.

Preliminary Police Report Findings

According to the initial police report, the boat appears to have capsized after encountering unexpectedly large waves. Witness statements suggest the vessel was operating at a moderate speed when it was hit by a rogue wave.

Key findings from the ongoing investigation include:

Weather Conditions: The National Weather Service had issued a small craft advisory for the area due to forecasted choppy seas and potential thunderstorms.While conditions were not severe at the time of departure,they deteriorated rapidly.

Life Jackets: All three individuals were wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs), commonly known as life jackets, at the time of the incident. However,investigators are examining whether the PFDs were properly fitted and utilized.

Vessel Condition: A thorough inspection of the recovered vessel is underway to determine if any mechanical failures contributed to the accident.Initial assessments reveal no obvious signs of pre-existing issues.

Operator Experience: Michael Davies was the registered owner and operator of the boat. Authorities are investigating his boating experience and certifications.

Search and Rescue Operations

The Coast Guard launched a rapid response, deploying a 45-foot Response Boat – Medium and a helicopter to the scene.Local marine units and volunteer fire departments also assisted in the search and rescue efforts.

The search for the vessel and it’s occupants commenced immediately upon receiving the distress call.Sarah Jenkins and David Miller were located clinging to debris approximately 30 minutes after the initial report. Michael Davies was recovered approximately one hour later,but sadly,paramedics were unable to revive him.

Long Beach Island Boating Safety – A Reminder

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of boating safety. Long Beach Island and the surrounding waters are popular destinations for recreational boating, but they can also be unpredictable.

Here are some crucial boating safety tips:

Check the Weather: Always check the marine forecast before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions. Pay close attention to small craft advisories and warnings.

Wear a Life Jacket: Ensure everyone on board is wearing a properly fitted life jacket at all times.

File a Float Plan: Let someone know your boating plans, including your destination, estimated return time, and who is on board.

Maintain Your Vessel: Regularly inspect and maintain your boat to ensure it is in good working order.

Boating Education: Consider taking a boating safety course to learn essential skills and regulations.The US Coast Guard Auxiliary and local boating organizations offer a variety of courses.

Avoid Alcohol: Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Recent Boating accident Statistics (New Jersey)

According to the New Jersey State Police Marine Law enforcement Unit, there were 68 boating accidents reported in New Jersey in 2024, resulting in 11 fatalities. The most common causes of boating accidents include operator inexperience, excessive speed, and failure to wear life jackets. These statistics underscore the need for increased boating safety awareness and education.

Ongoing