Overview

• Training sailboat “What Exit” lost engine power with sails down and was driven into the 8th Street jetty by strong winds.
• Two instructors and eight teenage students donned life jackets and escaped into the water without serious injuries.
• Avalon Beach Patrol, yacht club patrol boats, New Jersey State Police and U.S. Coast Guard vessels coordinated the rescue.
• Debris from the wreck briefly closed the 9th Street beach before crews cleared the area.
• Club leaders will convene this weekend to evaluate the incident and consider updates to their sailing safety procedures.