Body of Missing Sea Tow Boat Operator Found Washed Up on the Beach in Ocean City N.J.

Posted in New Jersey Maritime News,Tug Boat Accidents on May 7, 2013

OCEAN CITY, N.J. — The body of missing Sea Tow boat operator David McAuliffe was found on Wednesday, May 1, in Ocean City. McAuliffe, 34, of Egg Harbor Township, and his boat, the Cape Hatteras, went missing last Tuesday, April 23. The tug boat was recovered on Sunday April 28 and inspected on the following Monday where it was discovered that McAuliffe was no longer on board.

Photo shows police and public Works vehicles near a body that washed up on the beach at 25th Street in Ocean City on Wednesday morning, May 1, 2013. Photo Credit: Douglas Bergen

State Police have confirmed that McAuliffe’s body was found at the tide line of the beach at 25th Street in Ocean City by employees who were cleaning the beach Wednesday morning, at 6:07 a.m. The body was removed about 8 a.m.

Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch reports:

The cause of McAuliffe’s death is believed to be an accidental drowning, according to a preliminary autopsy, state police said. McAuliffe’s body is currently at the Cape May County Medical Examiner’s Office.

“After working with us for 10 years, Capt. Dave McAuliffe was like a son to us. We are heartbroken, as is the entire Sea Tow Atlantic City team,” Sea Tow Atlantic City Owners Capt. John and Sandy McLaughlin said in a joint statement issued Wednesday afternoon. “As our Lead Captain, Dave was an integral part of our operation, and we will miss him greatly. This is an incredibly hard time for his family and friends. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve his loss.”

The body was taken off the beach about 8 a.m.

Capt. Steve Ang said Ocean City Police had been patrolling the beach each morning, searching for McAuliffe.

McAuliffe was a 1997 graduate of Lacey Township High School.

Published by tugboat injury lawyer Gordon, Elias & Seely, LLP