(BELMAR, NJ.) —The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a diver who surfaced unresponsive from the USS Algol AKA-54 wreck on the Shark River Reef, approximately 15.6 miles off the coast on Sunday, August 9.
John Morgan, who was identified as the diver by Charter Captain Nick Caruso in a social media post, is a diving mate on the Ol' Salty II Sports Fishing Charter, operating out of Belmar.
According to Caruso, the team was diving at the USS Algol AKA-54. The site is an artificial reef where the Navy transport ship, active from World War II to the Cuban Missile Crisis, sank, says NJScuba.Net. Shark River Reef is the deepest of all New Jersey reef sites, with an average bottom depth of 125ft.
Shark River Artificial Reef (Photo Credits: NJScuba.Net)
“What started out as a blue bird day with great diving conditions and visibility on the Algol turned to a full rescue operation,” said Caruso in a Facebook post. “At approximately 10:30 am yesterday John Morgan surfaced 175 ft behind our vessel non responsive.”
Caruso thanks the quick action from their 2nd Captain Frankie, swimming out to John with a line to get him back to the boat.
Algol dive rescue off Belmar, NJ. (Photo Credits: OL' SALTY II Sports Fishing Charters Facebook)
“The diver’s life was saved due to the fast work and diligence of my crew,” said Caruso also showing gratitude to the U.S. Coast Guard and Big Apple Divers.
The crews are fully trained in first aid, CPR and oxygen administration as required by the Coast Guard, according to the Ol’ Salty II website,
U.S. Coast Guard arrived to the rescue. (Photo Credits: OL' SALTY II Sports Fishing Charters Facebook)
“As they got to the ladder, all aboard rendered aid to get him on board,” said Caruso. “Big thanks to all that rendered first aid, monitoring vitals, and administering oxygen, until the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter deployment.”
Air Station Atlantic city airlifted the patient to land to transport them by EMS to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, N.Y., for further medical care, according to Public Affairs Specialist Third Class Austin Canos.
Canos mentioned he didn't have any further information on the cause of the incident, as the case is still under investigation.
Jacobi Medical Center is home to a large multi-person hyperbaric chamber which is the only walk-in hyperbaric chamber in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut), says the Jacobi-Montefiore Emergency Medicine website.
However, although not for this case, Canos provided some general safety tips for divers that could be helpful in an emergency situation.
“Before entering the water, divers should check current conditions, make sure their equipment is properly maintained, dive with a buddy and have a plan for communicating and responding to an emergency,” said Canos. “Conditions on the water can change quickly, so preparation and situational awareness are key to staying safe.”
Watch the video of the U.S. Coast Guard rescue at OL' SALTY II Sports Fishing Charters Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1749286316090532. To add to or correct any information in this report, please get in touch with me at angelica.n@lead4earth.org.
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