Sole survivor from NJ scallop boat sinking says he supports theory that gear became snagged

NJ boat sinking survivor: Tangled gear possible

CAPE MAY, N.J. — The sole survivor from a scallop boat that sank off the coast of New Jersey says he agrees with a lawyer’s theory that the vessel’s fishing gear might have become tangled, pulling the boat down.

Jose Luis Arias says the Lady Mary’s engines were still working, but the boat wasn’t moving as it tilted to the left and took on water on March 24.

That supports the theory advanced Monday by the lawyer for the boat’s owner, who said the fishing gear may have gotten snagged on something, dooming the boat.

Arias’ testimony came Tuesday at a Coast Guard inquiry into the sinking.

Arias said earlier he clung to a piece of wood for two hours before being rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

CAPE MAY, N.J. (AP) — The sole survivor from a scallop boat that sank off the coast of New Jersey says a wooden plank saved his life.

Jose Luis Arias says he jumped overboard when the Lady Mary began sinking on March 24. He tells investigators that he paddled away from the boat so it wouldn’t suck him under, and floated on his back to keep water from filling his survival suit.

Arias says he found an 8-foot-long piece of wood floating in the water and clung to it for two hours in darkness.

When a Coast Guard helicopter arrived after daybreak, he says he felt “born again.”

Earlier Tuesday, the panel heard autopsy results that showed the captain and one crew member had used marijuana. The testimony was part of a Coast Guard inquiry into the accident.