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(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association June 2000 Newsletter)
Sometimes we are able to celebrate good news. Senator Lautenberg and Congressman Chris Smith held a press conference on May 12th to announce Manasquan Inlet would soon be home to a 47 foot life boat. Without this life boat the Coast Guard would have continued launching helicopters from Atlantic City or bringing boats from Sandy Hook or Barnegat Light. Area fishermen knew that lives could be lost while waiting for this rescue service. This boat is designed to withstand nearly anything the Atlantic can throw at it. It can right itself within eight seconds in the event of a capsizing, and surmount 20-foot breaking waves or 30-foot open seas, and stay on course in 50-knot winds.
We are grateful to Senator Lautenberg and Congressman Smith for their work in making this happen. In the Asbury Park Press article (5/13/00) Senator Lautenberg was quoted, "When someone is floating in freezing water, every minute counts. This vessel will give Coast Guard rescuers those extra minutes when they are facing heavy surf and high winds. Boaters up and down the Jersey Shore can rest assured that the Coast Guard will be deploying the most modern and capable boats to ensure their safety."
A special thanks goes to Jim Lovgren for his hard work and for bringing this issue to our attention. This is another example of how successful we can be when the recreational and commercial communities work together. I would also like to thank all the JCAA members who wrote letters in support of this action. It is appropriate to write or call Senator Lautenberg and Congressman Smith and thank them for their help. Lives will be saved because we were successful.
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