The Manasquan Water Taxi, shortly after being ungrounded from Treasure Island in the Manasquan River. (Photo: Barnegat Bay Island/ Facebook)
A water taxi operating in the Manasquan River ran aground just before midnight Sunday, leading to efforts to rescue between 19 and 22 passengers by several local rescue squads, including Brick.
The water taxi ran aground on Niensdt Island, commonly known as Treasure Island and Osborne Island, which is located near the entrance to the Point Pleasant Canal in the river, according to a statement posted by Jerry Meaney, a captain with the Point Pleasant First Aid and Emergency Squad, on a popular Facebook page he operates.
There were no major injuries reported, but some passengers suffered cuts and bruises, he said. All of the passengers on the boat were taken to Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant Borough where they were checked by EMTs.
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There was no word if any summonses were issued to the captain of the boat; a late-night call to a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson was not immediate returned. According to the Manasquan Water Taxi website, the vessel which operated on the river is a 40-foot pontoon boat powered by twin 90 horsepower outboard engines. The taxi runs between several bars on the river.
According to Meaney, the Point Pleasant Borough Fire Company, Point Borough First Aid, Brick fire companies and first aid squads from Lakewood and Brielle responded.
