Police Lights (Photo: Jason Rojas/Flickr)
Despite heroic efforts of police officers and firefighters, a Toms River man lost his life last week after experiencing distress while going for an evening swim in the bay.
The incident occurred Aug. 19 at about 6:10 p.m. at Mariner’s Cove at the end of Kettle Creek Road. Emergency crews responded to a 911 call for a reported man in distress in the water. Wayne Brotsky, 64, of Toms River, was fighting to stay afloat when went under water and disappeared, police spokeswoman Jillian Messina said.
Silverton Fire Chief Robert Sinnott was first on scene and jumped in the water. Toms River Officer Michael Hader, and Silverton Fire Company firefighters Keegan Shevlin, Rich Foster, and Dave McElwain also jumped in the water to search for the victim. After approximately 10 minutes, he was pulled from the water unresponsive.
Brotsky regained a pulse when Toms River Officer Chris Inglis and Ocean Beach Fire Chief Drew Calvo performed CPR at the scene along with members of Silverton First Aid. RWJ Paramedics transported the victim to Community Medical Center where, despite the efforts of first responders, he was later pronounced deceased.
New Jersey State Police Marine Division and CSI also responded to the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
