4 rescued after taking 'unseaworthy' boat out on windy Raritan Bay

Four boaters aboard a 22-foot lake boat in the Raritan Bay had to be rescued Sunday, Coast Guard officials said. (U.S Coast Guard Tri-State)

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued four boaters Sunday who were stranded in the Raritan Bay in a 22-foot-lake boat that was "unseaworthy," officials said.

The Sandy Hook heavy weather boatcrew pulled the men off a vessel that was disabled off Keansburg around noon, the Coast Guard said in a statement.

Winds were 30 knots and seas were 3-to-5 feet.

None of the boaters were injured, but their craft had to be left behind because it was unsafe to tow it back to shore. A commercial salvage vessel will tow it when conditions allow, the Coast Guard said.

"This type of boat was designed to be operated on lakes, not the ocean," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Jennifer Smith, a crewmember at Station Sandy Hook. "Before leaving the dock, you should always check the weather, file a float plan, check your lifesaving equipment and ensure your vessel is safe to be out on the water."

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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