CAPE MAY, N.J. — A Coast Guard member climbed down from a 165-foot water tower at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May at about 2 a.m. Friday.
The member climbed up the water tower without authorization at about noon Thursday.
Negotiators from the Cape May County Prosecutors Office worked with the member for 14 hours, resulting in the Coast Guard Fire Department passing a harness to the man and assisted him in safely climbing down from water tower.
The Coast Guard Police Department and fire department, Cape May Police Department and fire department, Cape May County Sheriff’s Department and SWAT team all responded to the incident.
“We are so grateful the situation was able to be resolved safely,” said Capt. G. Todd Prestidge, the commanding officer of the training center. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the member and his family during this difficult time. I am very proud of the response from my crew and the local Coast Guard family, and appreciate the support and partnership from local agencies. Cape May County truly is a Coast Guard Community.”
Recruit graduation will take place Friday on the base as scheduled.
