One Rescued, Search Continues for Person Missing in Barnegat Bay

One person was rescued and a multi-agency search was suspended for the evening on Monday, Nov. 2, after two individuals entered Barnegat Bay from the J. Stanley Tunney Bridge, according to East Dover Fire Company.

Swift Rescue at the Route 37 Span

Emergency responders from multiple jurisdictions were dispatched to the Route 37 bridge at approximately 2:34 p.m. following reports that someone had jumped into the water. The response was swift.

The East Dover Fire Company chief arrived at the scene within four minutes, spotting an individual still on the bridge structure. As the chief approached, that person jumped into the bay below.

Medical Transfer to Neptune Hospital

The individual remained conscious and alert in the water. Responders deployed a life ring, allowing an Island Heights fireboat crew to pull the person from the bay.

The rescued individual was brought to Pier One Marina, where emergency medical personnel awaited to transfer them to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

Expansive Multi-Agency Grid Search

Witness statements and a review of available video revealed that a second person had entered the water before the chief arrived at the scene. That realization triggered a grid search involving the U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Toms River police drone unit, Ocean Beach firefighters, and Brick Township’s dive team.

Unified Command Post and Traffic Delays

Operations were coordinated from a unified command post established at Pier One Marina on the mainland side of the bridge. Meanwhile, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office advised motorists to expect delays along Route 37 due to police activity near the bridge.

Search Suspended Amid Safety Concerns

Crews worked for several hours to locate the missing individual. Operations were suspended around 8:45 p.m. due to safety concerns. Authorities have not identified either person, nor have they provided a condition update on the rescued individual.