BRILLION – Joe Capasso of Long Branch was fishing luck a few miles from Brill on Sunday morning when he heard a scream.
A nearby boat was taking on water and the four passengers were treading water in the ocean needing help.
“I see the back of the boat going under the water,” said Capasso, who is on his boat, Gemini, which he co-owns with his brother, Jack.
He said his captain, Christopher Davidson, maneuvered the Gemini close to the sinking boat’s occupants, who were floating nearby, while Capasso assisted everyone on board. His friend Stephen Chabot captured the rescue on his phone.
At the same time, officers from the New Jersey State Police Marine Corps and members of the US Coast Guard rushed to the scene, Capasso said.
After the passengers made it safely to Gemini, Capasso said he saw the nearby boat slide below the surface. He said it only took about four minutes to sink.
“The ocean is a dangerous place,” Capasso said. “I am thankful God put me there, in that spot.”
He said first responders took the rescued boats ashore.
out on the water: Deep sea fishing at The Gambler
Amanda Oglesby is a native of Ocean County covering the towns of Brick, Barnegat, and Lacey as well as the environment. I have worked in journalism for over a decade. You can reach her at OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com, or 732-557-5701.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: The ferryman rushes to the sinking ship off Brill, saving four passengers
