A scuba diver was airlifted to hospital after a fishing boat operating with its autopilot engaged collided with an anchored dive boat off the coast of New Jersey, USA.
The collision occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m. on 31 July, around eight miles (14km) offshore from Barnegat Inlet, where four divers had anchored their vessel over a popular shipwreck site. At the time of the incident, two of the divers were underwater while two remained aboard the boat.
According to information released by the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau, a 10-metre (33-foot) Grady-White fishing boat, travelling at approximately 25 knots with its autopilot engaged, struck the anchored dive vessel and passed over it.
One of the divers aboard the dive boat was thrown into the water during the impact, suffering injuries to the head and one arm while also inhaling a significant amount of seawater. The second diver aboard escaped injury, while the two divers already underwater were not hurt.
The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the emergency, transferring the injured diver from the damaged vessel to a Coast Guard boat before airlifting the casualty by helicopter to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Galloway Township. Authorities have not released the diver’s identity or provided an update on their condition.
Both Boats Taking on Water
Following the collision, both vessels began taking on water.
TowBoatUS Barnegat Light & Beach Haven dispatched salvage crews equipped with dewatering pumps to stabilise both boats before towing them safely to Long Key Marina in Waretown. Photographs released by TowBoatUS show significant damage to both the fishing boat’s bow and the dive vessel.
No injuries were reported among those aboard the fishing boat.
Investigation Underway
The New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Authorities have not announced any charges, and no official cause has been determined.
While the fishing vessel was reported to have been operating with autopilot engaged, maritime regulations require vessel operators to maintain a proper lookout at all times, regardless of whether automated steering systems are in use. The investigation is expected to determine why the anchored dive boat was not avoided.
It is worth noting that reports circulating on social media and in one local news outlet suggesting the fishing boat’s operator had fallen asleep have not been confirmed by investigators and should be treated as unverified pending the outcome of the official investigation.
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