TOMS RIVER, NJ – Two ironworkers working on the Route 37 bridge project in Toms River, above the Barnegat Bay, noticed a boater in distress Friday afternoon and threw the stranded kayaker a line until help arrived.
According to Jillian Messina, a spokeswoman for the Toms River Police Department, the boater was observed from the Tunney Bridge at around 3:15 pm by two contractors, Randolph Fuson and Charles Baldwin of IEW.
The contractors, according to Messina were performing maintenance on the bridge when they noticed an overturned kayak and looked to see if anyone was near.
“They heard someone yelling for help and provided a life vest and life ring to the individual, holding the rope to keep him in sight until additional help arrived,” Messina said. “Officers arrived, and subsequently members of the Seaside Heights Fire and Police Departments responded by boat to pull the victim from the water.”
The boater was taken to Community Medical Center for treatment. Also assisting at the scene were East Dover Fire, Ocean Beach Fire, Silverton Fire, and the New Jersey State Police Marine Division to assist.