One killed and one injured after boat strikes a large wake in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey
One fatality and one injury were reported after a boat struck a large wake in New Jersey’s Barnegat Bay, ejecting the two occupants into the water on August 24, 2025, amid hazardous marine conditions generated by offshore Hurricane Erin.
Representational image of a boat crash in New Jersey. Credit: Long Beach Fire Department
One person was killed and another injured on the morning of August 24 after a boat struck a wake in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey.
The crash was reported just before 10:00 local time on August 24, near the ICW marker 116 in Little Egg Harbor.
According to local police, the two occupants of an 8.2 m (27 feet) long Robalo vessel were ejected after the boat struck a large wake. The vessel continued to circle and struck one of the occupants, causing fatal injuries.
The deceased was identified as a 56-year-old man from Princeton. The other occupant sustained minor injuries, according to police.
A “wake” refers to the wave pattern generated behind a moving vessel. These waves can vary in height and force, depending on the vessel’s size, speed, and water conditions.
Striking a large wake at speed can destabilize smaller boats and lead to accidents, especially if occupants are not securely seated or braced.
The crash occurred amid hazardous marine conditions caused by Hurricane Erin, which was positioned offshore at the time. The storm generated long-period swells and increased wave activity along the New Jersey coast.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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