1 killed, 1 rescued after boat capsizes off Barnegat Light

BARNEGAT LIGHT, N.J. - A fishing vessel capsized 10 miles off the Ocean County coast, killing one person and leaving another to be rescued by a vessel known for its crew's role on the reality show Swords.

The Mandy Ness, a 44-foot commercial fishing boat based here, capsized off Long Beach Island around 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, Coast Guard Petty Officer Crystalynn Kneen said.

The Coast Guard launched a search after receiving an emergency transmission from a beacon that activates when it gets wet. The agency dispatched a helicopter from Atlantic City and a 47-foot rescue boat from Barnegat Light.

It also broadcast an urgent request for help. The crew of the Frances Anne heard the broadcast, went to the aid of the capsized vessel, and took one person aboard.

After the survivor was taken aboard the Frances Anne, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer went underneath the Mandy Ness' hull and brought out one victim, who was unresponsive. That person was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The survivor was treated on shore and was in good condition, the Coast Guard said.

The boat involved in the rescue is a 72-foot vessel known for its role in the Discovery Channel show, which follows the crews of four boats that catch swordfish in the Atlantic.

Someone who answered the phone Wednesday at Frances Anne Inc. in Barnegat Light confirmed that the boat involved in the rescue was the one from the show but would not give other details.

The accident is being investigated. Winds were about 17 m.p.h. and seas were three feet, not especially rough for this time of year.