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Video of the rescue is also available
CAPE MAY, N.J. — The Coast Guard rescued a man from a jetty in Cape May at about 3 p.m. Wednesday after he was forced into the water by another boat’s wake.
Richard Perrotti was fishing near the jetties in his 21-foot boat when a large wake, caused by a passing boat, caused Perrotti's boat to tilt so heavily that Perrotti jumped into the water. After entering the water, Perrotti swam to a nearby jetty.
A nearby good Samaritan contacted the Coast Guard over VHF-FM radio, alerting an already-underway Coast Guard crew to the distress.
The 45-foot Response Boat — Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Cape May responded to the radio hail and rescued Perrotti from the jetty.
“Boaters need to be mindful of their wake when transiting near other boaters and property,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Diego Sanchez. “Boaters can be held responsible for their wakes. Luckily, Richard was wearing his life jacket and was able to swim to the rocks until Coast Guard arrived on scene to pull him to safety.”