HARDWICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Emergency crews responded to a water rescue on the Delaware River in Hardwick Township on Sunday afternoon after receiving reports of overturned boats and people in the water, according to the Knowlton Township Fire and Rescue Company.
The incident was reported at 1:53 p.m., when the U.S. Park Service requested assistance from multiple emergency units, including Knowlton Twp. Fire and Rescue Station 41, Portland Hook & Ladder Water Rescue/Dive Team, Blairstown Hose Company, and Blairstown Ambulance Corps.
Crews initially staged at the Kittatinny Point Boat Launch as Portland deployed two rescue boats into the river.
Because of the river’s location near the state line, 911 centers in Monroe and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania — along with Warren County in New Jersey — received simultaneous emergency calls, creating communication challenges for dispatchers trying to coordinate information. At one point, as many as six people were believed to be in the water, some without life jackets, and several boats were reported overturned.
Within 20 minutes of dispatch, first responders began arriving at the scene. A New Jersey State Police NORTHSTAR helicopter provided aerial support. U.S. Park Service Rangers, Pennsylvania State Police, and New Jersey State Police from the Hope Barracks also assisted.
All individuals reported missing were located and debriefed at the command post, authorities said.
A Pennsylvania family fishing nearby helped rescue the occupants of two overturned canoes, officials added.
Emergency responders emphasized that the Delaware River remains dangerous due to elevated water levels and poor visibility caused by recent rain and runoff. Life jackets are required under current river conditions.
“The calm surface hides huge boulders, sharp drop-offs, swift and undertow currents, and whirlpools,” Knowlton Twp. Fire and Rescue said in a statement. “Please give the river the respect it has proven many times it deserves.”
