Coast Guard Rescues Distressed Kayaker off NJ

NEW YORK -- The Coast Guard rescued a distressed kayaker in the vicinity of Port Monmouth, N.J., today.   Watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook received a report of a kayaker who capsized when his kayak filled with water and became unstable.   “He had his cell phone with him and was able to call 911 for help,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class David Snyder, from Station Sandy Hook.   Rescue boatcrews from Station Sandy Hook located the kayaker who was wearing his lifejacket and clinging to his kayak. A boat crewmember threw the kayker a rescue heaving line to pull him away from shoal water toward the Coast Guard boat.   Once recovered from the water, Station Sandy Hook crewmembers assessed his condition and determined that he was in good condition and not in need of medical assistance.   “It was a really good thing that he was wearing his lifejacket and stayed with his kayak, which was bright orange and a larger object for us to be able to locate,” said Snyder. “He had attempted to swim back to shore but got a sever leg cramp, so he was extraordinarily grateful once we got him onboard and made sure he was okay.”   The kayaker and his kayak were taken to Atlantic Highlands.