Jet Ski Accident with Injuries

On Sunday, August 20th 2017 at 1615hrs the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department responded to reports of a jet ski collision in the area of the NJ tower of the George Washington Bridge.  Marine Ops member P.O. Anthony Burgos #398 and Sgt. Raymond Walter #367 responded to the scene in Marine 2.  Upon arrival along with P.O. Rocco Guerriero #400, they discovered 2 jet skis damaged and injured persons on the dock as Hazard’s Ramp.  (Hazard’s Ramp is located just south of the NJ tower in the Fort Lee NJ Section of the Palisades Interstate Park.

P.O. Burgos reported a victim with serious leg trauma and a juvenile who needed to be evaluated by EMS.   Fort Lee EMS and Englewood Hosptial Paramedics were requested and responded.  The adult was later transported to Hackensack University Medical Center and is considered non-life threatening.  The juvenile was released to family on scene.  It was determined that a primary jet ski was idle too close to shore when a second jet ski was operated at a high rate of speed and failed to slow in time.  The second jet ski struck the first jet ski causing damage and injury to the operator.  All occupants were thrown into the water and assisted back to shore by bystanders prior to public safety arrival.

Multiple marine violations were issued and both jet ski’s were impounded.

Primary Jet Ski Operator was identified as Mr. Rafael Rodriguez, a 20 year old male from East Orange NJ.  Mr. Rodriguez had suffered the above referenced leg injury.

Second Jest Ski Operator was identified as Mr. Carlos Cruz, a 24 year old male from Newark NJ.  Mr. Cruz was not injured.