Firefighters free man from bilge hatch

Last Updated on Wednesday, December 05, 2012 06:47 pm Written by Staff Reports Wednesday, December 05, 2012 06:42 pm

Fred Collins of Woodbine was working in the bilge space aboard the recreational vessel Hooked Up II when he tried to back out of the space and became stuck in an approximately two foot by two foot access hatch Dec. 5. Local and Coast Guard firefighters were able to lift Collins and contort his body to free him from the hatch, and he was treated and released by Lower Township EMS in good condition. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Donnie Brzuska. CAPE MAY – Local and Coast Guard firefighters rescued a man trapped in a bilge hatch at the South Jersey Marina Wednesday at 10:37 a.m.

Fred Collins of Woodbine was working in the bilge space aboard the recreational vessel Hooked Up II when he tried to back out of the space and became stuck in an approximately two-foot-by-two-foot access hatch, according to information released by the Coast Guard.

The master of the vessel called the 911, and Cape May City, Town Bank and Coast Guard fire departments responded to help. Cape May City Fire Department took the lead for the incident, while Coast Guard, Town Bank and other Cape May firefighters conducted air monitoring and extracted the victim from the hatch.

Firefighters were able to lift Collins and contort his body to free him from the hatch. Collins was treated and released by Lower Township EMS in good condition. There was no apparent damage to the vessel.

The Coast Guard firefighters who responded are stationed aboard Training Center Cape May and respond to community emergencies in cooperation with local, county and state emergency response personnel.