NJ fishing boat survivor describes final moments

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. - January 13, 2012

Crewman Trevor Horan tells The Press of Atlantic City conditions were calm as the Mandy Ness cruised about 10 miles off Long Beach Island Tuesday night. Then the 22-year-old says the vessel got "knocked over" and "water just started rushing in" as the 44-foot vessel capsized.

Horan estimated he and Capt. Jim Mears spent 45 minutes holding on to each other as the dark cabin filled with water until their sister vessel arrived.

Horan swam to the surface.

A Coast Guard swimmer found Mears in the cabin and he was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The Coast Guard is investigating.

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Information from: The Press of Atlantic City, http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com

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