Stranded Jet Skiers Rescued From Ocean City Marsh

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Three jet skiers had to be rescued Friday when they became stranded in a marshy area near the Ocean City Airport, according to New Jersey State Police.

At 8:20 p.m., authorities said the mother of one of the riders called police after the trio was unable to make it back to shore due to mud and marshy conditions.

Since authorities were familiar with the area, the decision was made to forego a water rescue and retrieve the stranded riders by air.

“It would take too long to get an airboat to the location,” New Jersey State Police said in a Facebook post. “The tide had just gone out and there was a threat of thunderstorms forecasted for the area.”

When police arrived at the scene, they found the riders about 200 feet from the shoreline. With help from the agency’s aviation unit, authorities were able to use a helicopter to rescue the stranded riders.

The three riders were taken to Ocean City Airport following the rescue, where they were met by medics. All were treated and sent home.