2 Dead, 5 Rescued After Boat Capsizes Off New Jersey Coast

MANASQUAN INLET, N.J. (CBS) --  A multi-agency search and rescue operation unfolded off the coast of New Jersey after a boat capsized, tossing all seven people on board into the frigid waters of the Manasquan Inlet off the coast of Monmouth County.

New Jersey State Police responded to a report of a fatal vessel accident at approximately 1:30 p.m. today.  Its Marine Services Bureau and Aviation team along with the U.S. Coast Guard and the New York Police Department were involved in the rescue operations, where all seven individuals were recovered.

Two of the victims, however, were pronounced dead. They have been identified by State Police as 66-year-old Alex Osadchy and 74-year-old Grigory Klokishner – both of Philadelphia.

Authorities say four others were taken to the Ocean Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, while the fifth victim refused medical treatment.

What caused the boat to capsize is currently under investigation, though officials say strong currents at the time may have been a contributing factor.