Fishing Boat Collides with Middle Thorofare Bridge Following Power Failure
[Note: Photos by Cape May Sea Tow]
At approximately 9:30 PM on Friday, August 30th, a distress call was placed at the Middle Thorofare Bridge, alerting authorities to a serious incident involving the 90-foot commercial fishing vessel F/V Jersey Cape.
The vessel had suffered a power failure and was left adrift, eventually becoming pinned against the north side of the bridge. Strong northeast winds, clocking in at over 20 MPH, combined with an outgoing tide, pushed the vessel into the bridge’s structure, complicating rescue efforts.
Fishing Boat Collides with Middle Thorofare Bridge Following Power Failure
The Middle Thorofare Bridge, a critical crossing for locals and visitors in Cape May County, had only recently reopened after being closed the previous week due to mechanical issues with its motor.
As luck would have it, the bridge was already closed to traffic at the time of the incident to allow for the safe passage of the F/V Jersey Cape, which likely prevented a more chaotic situation and potential injuries or damage to vehicles.
The F/V Jersey Cape found itself pinned under the north side of the bridge, just above the area where the toll booth is situated.
Witnesses at the scene captured photos and videos of the vessel wedged precariously against the bridge’s concrete structure, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Emergency services, including the Cape May Sea Tow crew, were quickly dispatched to the scene to provide assistance.
Upon arrival, the Cape May Sea Tow team immediately went to work, battling against the elements to secure a towline to the stricken vessel.
The high winds and powerful tidal currents made the operation particularly challenging, as the forces of nature worked against the rescue efforts.
Also see: SS United States To Be Sunk Off Florida Panhandle?
Despite these adverse conditions, the crew demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. After significant effort, they managed to pull the F/V Jersey Cape away from the bridge, freeing it from its precarious position.
The quick and professional response from the Cape May Sea Tow crew prevented further damage to both the vessel and the bridge.
Fortunately, all crew members aboard the F/V Jersey Cape were reported safe and uninjured following the incident, a testament to the effectiveness of the emergency response.
The incident caused a temporary closure of the bridge as rescue operations were carried out, but it is expected to reopen to traffic by 8:00 AM on Saturday, August 31st.
Local authorities will likely conduct a thorough inspection of the bridge to ensure its structural integrity before resuming normal operations.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the sea and the ever-present risks faced by those who work on it. It also highlights the importance of having trained emergency response teams, like Cape May Sea Tow, ready and capable of handling such situations.
Thanks to their quick action, what could have been a major disaster was averted, and the F/V Jersey Cape and its crew were brought to safety.