Coast Guard saves crew of sinking boat near Brigantine

The Coast Guard has make yet another rescue, helping four people after their boat began sinking off the Jersey Shore, Sunday afternoon.

Members of Coast Guard Station Atlantic City were notified at about 1 p.m. when they heard a distress call over the radio. It stated a 27-foot recreational boat carrying four people was taking on water near Brigantine Beach.

That's when a 29-foot Response Boat-Small rescue crew from Station Atlantic City launched with a dewatering pump and made it to the scene, shortly after notification.

Coast Guard crew members boarded the sinking boat and removed the water using dewatering pumps.

They also used plugs to stop the flow of water so the crew was able to safely return to the pier.

"It's so essential that if your boat is in distress, to reach out as early as possible using a reliable communication device like a VHF radio," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Vogel, coxswain of the Coast Guard crew. "In the marine environment small problems can become large ones in a matter of moments."

Saturday, the Coast Guard suspended the search for a kite surfer who went missing off Highlands, on the North Jersey coast.