Fisherman rescued from frigid Spring Lake waters

Two Spring Lake police officers are being hailed this morning for rescuing a fisherman whose boat sunk in the middle of Spring Lake during a children's fishing contest.

Officers Emmett Smith and William Kelly, who were already on-site, swam about 100 yards in the frigid waters to reach the adult male victim, whose small boat had been taking on water from the larger-than-expected waves, and then guided him back to shore, according to Spring Lake Police Chief Ed Kerr.

"I want to really commend my officers," he said this morning. "Without hesitation, they immediately went into the water to help somebody."

Man reported missing at sea for 66 days found in good health

The rescue happened at about 8:30 a.m. during the middle of a pair of children's trout fishing tournaments organized by the Shark River Surf Anglers and the American Legion Post #43 of Spring Lake.

Kerr said all three individuals were checked out by paramedics and nobody was transported to the hospital.

The victim identified himself as Steve Stoop, of Hainesport, to an Asbury Park Press reporter, said he was fine and then later returned to the lake to fish some more.

Russ Zimmer: 732-557-5748, razimmer@app.com