A devastating boating accident on Sunday, August 25, 2024 resulted in the death of 18-year-old Zeina Mahafzah of Wayne, New Jersey. The incident took place at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Sunset Park in Harvey Cedars, situated on Long Beach Island.
Reports from the New Jersey State Police indicate that Mahafzah was on a raft being towed by a boat operated by her father. During her attempt to get back onto the boat, she was hit by the propeller, which led to serious injuries and dismemberment. Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, Mahafzah was declared dead soon after the accident. Several other occupants of the boat who had witnessed the shocking incident were provided with on-site trauma care.
The investigation into the circumstances of the accident is being led by the Harvey Cedars Police Department and the New Jersey State Police Marine Bureau. The investigation is focused on determining whether mechanical failure or other factors contributed to the unfortunate incident. As the investigation is still ongoing, no additional details have been shared with the public.
While boating accidents in the region are relatively uncommon, they underscore the inherent risks associated with aquatic recreational activities. The U.S. Coast Guard emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols, as accidents can occur abruptly, even in conditions perceived as safe.
In 2017, a similar tragedy unfolded in New Jersey when a crew member lost his life in a boat collision during the Offshore Grand Prix at Point Pleasant Beach.
Zeina graduated from Wayne Hills High School this spring and was registered to start at Rutgers University-Newark in the School of Arts and Sciences for the fall semester.
As the probe into Mahafzah’s untimely death progresses, the local community is rallying to provide support to her bereaved family. Officials have asked for the privacy of the family to be respected and for the public to continue offering their thoughts and prayers during this period of mourning.
