Whale strikes, sinks New Jersey fireboat, giving crew seconds to abandon ship
No injuries were reported, and the crew returned home safely, though the department added, "Understandably, it has left those involved shaken."
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NEW JERSEY - The return from a routine regional security detail turned into a race for survival over the holiday weekend when a surfacing whale hit and sank a Carteret Fire Department (CFD) vessel.
The vessel suffered catastrophic damage and rapidly began taking on water, leaving firefighters aboard only seconds to escape.
A Carteret Fire Department marine vessel was returning from a routine regional security detail when it was struck by a breaching whale on July 4.
(Carteret Fire Department & EMS Division / Facebook)
According to the Carteret Fire Department and EMS Division, the incident unfolded around 4:30 p.m. on July 4, south of the Arthur Kill at the mouth of Raritan Bay. Officials said a breaching whale surfaced and "violently struck" beneath the stern of CFD Marine Unit 2.
Officials highlighted that a nearby recreation boat told authorities that they spotted a group of whales surfacing shortly before—and right after—the fireboat went down.
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Along with the Perth Amboy Fire Department Marine Unit and FMBA Local 58/258, a nearby recreational jet ski operator and additional boater took action to help the firefighters aboard during the critical time.
The photo below shows the severity of the incident, as only a small portion of the bow is seen peeking out of the water.
A Carteret Fire Department marine vessel suffered catastrophic damage when it was struck by a surfacing whale on July 4, sinking so rapidly that firefighters aboard had only seconds to abandon ship.
(Carteret Fire Department & EMS Division / Facebook)
Authorities noted that while the Carteret Fire Department Marine Unit regularly trains for diverse marine emergencies, "an event of this nature is something no one anticipates."
There were no injuries reported, and the crew was able to safely return to their families, the department said, but added, "Understandably, it has left those involved shaken."
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Following the harrowing incident, CFD credited the crew's proper use of life jackets for their survival. The department noted that because every member was wearing a required and fitted personal flotation device, they stayed safe until rescuers arrived.
A Carteret Fire Department marine vessel was returning from a routine regional security detail when it was struck by a breaching whale on July 4.
(Carteret Fire Department & EMS Division / Facebook)
The department expressed its gratitude to everyone who assisted during the incident, as well as the numerous departments, officials, and communities that reached out to offer support.
"[Saturday's] events serve as a powerful reminder that, no matter how routine a mission may seem, every emergency response carries risks—and we are incredibly grateful that every member made it home safely," CFD said.
Officials are still investigating the accident and will release more information as more information becomes available.