Coast Guard apprehends intoxicated boater

NEW YORK - Coast Guard Sector New York received a report at approximately 2 a.m. Sunday from the operator of a pleasure craft with five persons aboard stating that they’d been struck by a yellow Seadoo in the vicinity of Ward’s Point. Another vessel, the Cornucopia Princess, also witnessed a yellow Seadoo operating erratically and nearly striking their vessel. Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook diverted a 25-foot response boat and crew to investigate. The Seadoo departed the scene before the response unit arrived.

Once on scene, the Coast Guard crew confirmed there were no injuries associated with the pleasure craft. After providing a statement to the Coast Guard boarding officer, the operator of the pleasure craft returned to the Sewaren boat ramp.

During the Coast Guard response, the Seadoo returned to the area. The Sandy Hook response boat and crew came alongside, and reported that the operator appeared intoxicated. The Seadoo was taken in tow to the Perth Amboy Marina, where the operator failed a field sobriety test.

The Coast Guard was joined by the Perth Amboy Police Department, who did not have alcohol testing equipment available, but offered to take the operator to the hospital for testing. The Station Sandy Hook boarding officer accompanied them to the hospital.

Perth Amboy PD is pursuing the case with Coast Guard assistance.

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