Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Read more
Two children have died on a boating trip off New Jersey after the vessel they were aboard collided with a channel marker, pitching them into the water.
The boy, 7, and girl, 9, were sailing in a 30-foot Tidewater Custom 280 Sunday evening off Berkeley Township when the fatal incident occurred. Their boat hit Intercoastal Waterway’s Marker 39 at around 9 p.m., ejecting them into Barnegat Bay as darkness fell.
Also aboard were Stephen and Laurie Schneider of Bayville, 63 and 64 respectively, who are understood to be the children’s grandparents according to ABC News’s local affiliate. The victims have yet to be named.
The Schneiders reportedly discovered the children unresponsive in the water, hauled them back on board and, with the help of first responders, attempted to revive them.
The tragedy occured at Barnegat Bay off Berkeley Township, New Jersey (David Broad)
They were taken to a local hospital in Toms River, but were ultimately pronounced dead.
New Jersey State Police recounted the facts of the tragedy in a statement, describing it as a “serious vessel crash” and reporting that the incident is still under investigation and that no charges have been filed.
They have yet to say whether they believe the weather, the speed of the boat, impairment or any mechanical issues may have played a part.
Jersey Shore Online reports that the group were seen at a restaurant on the waterfront before the accident, although investigators have yet to confirm that detail.
Councilman James Byrnes, who witnessed the aftermath, paid tribute to the emergency services personnel who attempted to revive the children and told ABC7: “The bay is unforgiving.”
The boating incident is still being investigated by authorities (file photo) (Quality Marine Group/YouTube)
He and a local charter business owner both told the network that all of the lights on the marker were working and switched on at the time of the disaster.
In another interview with News 12 New Jersey, a visibly emotional Byrnes said: “The firemen jumped right in… The one child had a life jacket next to him. Of course, with CPR being performed, they’re going to remove it.
“We make sure our first responders are taken care of. I have the equipment they need. They’re going to be living with this forever in our hearts, and our thoughts go out to the family. This is a real tragedy.”
Local resident Michelle Monticello told the same station: “I just came to pay my respects quietly. It’s a very tight community, feeling very disheartened, very sad.”