A fire rescue boat was sunk in an accident involving a whale off the coast of New Jersey as the boat was returning from New York Harbor’s Fourth of July celebrations on Saturday.
Upon the return journey home from a security detail, the boat was traveling through the Arthur Kill—the strait that divides New Jersey from Staten Island—when it was struck by a surfacing whale. No injuries were reported.
A recreational jet skier and nearby boater came to the aid of the fire personnel; they were also assisted in their rescue by members of the Perth Amboy Fire Department Marine Unit, and Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association Local 58/258. All personnel on board were wearing their required personal flotation device—which kept them afloat until rescuers arrived—and were reported safe and uninjured.
The department said that the incident is a reminder to anyone participating in water sports or recreational activities to always wear a life jacket.
Another nearby recreational vessel spotted a pod of whales breaching the water both before and after the incident.
"While the Carteret Fire Department Marine Unit regularly trains to rescue civilians from the water and respond to marine emergencies, fires, and vehicle incidents, an event of this nature is something no one anticipates," the department stated. "Understandably, it has left those involved shaken, but we are incredibly thankful that everyone returned home safely to their families."
The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated.
On Aug. 2, 2025, at about 2:45 p.m., the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit notified the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) that a whale had been spotted in the bay near the inlet, prompting a coordinated effort between the U.S. Coast Guard, state marine police, and Sea Tow to remove the animal.
While the stranding coordinator was still making their way over, a nearby boater radioed in reporting a collision between his vessel and the whale. The boat nearly capsized, and someone on board was thrown into the water.
The whale was seen splashing before it moved away, with the encounter captured in a video later circulated on social media.