Spring Lake Chief Lifeguard Janet Carbin gestures from the jetty as lifeguards work to rescue the most seriously injured of three victims from a 21-foot center console fishing boat that struck a jetty at Newark Avenue in Spring Lake just after 9 pm Friday night. 8/14/15 (Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
MaryAnn Spoto | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on August 15, 2015
SPRING LAKE, NJ
The operator of a boat that washed up onto a jetty in Spring Lake, prompting a daring rescue by emergency personnel and lifeguards, has been charged with being under the influence of alcohol at the time, authorities said on Saturday.
Thomas McGinley, 51, of Toms River, was charged with boating under the influence in connection with the stranding that forced rescue personnel to take the victims off the boat Friday night as it teetered on the rocky ground.
Rescue personnel carry Thomas McGinley, 51, of Toms River, off the beach on a backboard after he was rescued by lifeguards Friday night.Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Sgt. Gregory Williams, a spokesman for New Jersey State Police, said McGinley was charged with boating under the influence after a test measuring his blood-alcohol level was conducted at the hospital Friday night.
He said the boat, a white 24-foot open fishing vessel, washed up on the jetty at Madison and Ocean avenues at 9:15 p.m. When members of the State Police Marine Services Bureau arrived, crews from the Spring Lake police and fire departments, first aid and lifeguards were already on scene taking the occupants off the boat and tending to their injuries. The U.S. Coast Guard was also on scene, he said.
Williams said authorities found several open containers of alcoholic beverages on the boat.
All occupants on board were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.
One of the injured occupants was identified as Bridget Dombrowski, 20, of Glastonbury, Conn., Williams said. He did not know the type of injury she sustained.
Emergency personnel from Wall Township and Spring Lake Heights also responded.
Coast Guard Petty Officer Michael Robertson said Friday night that a man had also suffered serious injuries.
Spring Lake officials said there were three people on board at the time.