Sea Tow Central New Jersey Captains Walt Bohn and Dan Siegel were presented with the “Efforts Above and Beyond,” award by Sea Tow Services International, Inc. (Sea Tow), recognizing them for going above and beyond and for their outstanding performance of duty and life-saving efforts at the company’s 2025 annual meeting in Hilton Head, SC. Additionally, for the same rescue, U.S. Congressman Jefferson Van Drew of New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District honored Captains Bohn and Siegel with a congressional proclamation. Sea Tow Central New Jersey serves Barnegat Bay, including the Barnegat Inlet and Atlantic Ocean.
Captains Bohn and Siegel received the “Efforts Above and Beyond” award from Sea Tow for their role in a nighttime search-and-rescue operation in Barnegat Bay of Clammer John Mazzi. The 72-year-old man had filed a float plan with his wife. When he did not return after a day out on the water, his wife alerted the Coast Guard, which initiated a multi-agency search. Working alongside the U.S. Coast Guard, Captains Bohn and Siegel located Mazzi at approximately 2 a.m., 200 yards from his vessel. What began as a clamming trip turned into a 12-hour fight for survival, as Mazzi was stranded on a sandbar, soaked in shallow water in freezing temperatures. The crew brought him on board the Sea Tow boat, where the United States Coast Guard lowered a rescue swimmer and rescue basket and placed him in the basket. Mazzi was then airlifted to an awaiting ambulance and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
U.S. Congressman Jefferson Van Drew also honored Captains Bohn and Siegel with a proclamation for the rescue of Mazzi. The proclamation celebrates Captains Bohn and Siegel for their efforts, recognizing their courageous act of heroism and dedicated assistance in saving lives in Ocean County. The proclamation noted that the captains “brought honor and pride to the community and to the citizens of this state, New Jersey, and the United States of America.”
“Captain Dan Siegal and Captain Walter Bohn represent the very best of New Jersey,” said Congressman Van Drew. “When others are heading in because the weather turns or the situation gets tough, these men head out to help. It was my honor to present them with a Congressional proclamation recognizing their dedication and service. New Jersey is lucky to have them.”
“We’re proud to recognize Captains Bohn and Siegel for their life saving efforts,” said Sea Tow President Kristen Frohnhoefer. “These Captains are a testament to what it means to go above and beyond for the boating community.”
“It is a great honor to receive these awards,” said Captain Walt Bohn, general manager of Sea Tow Central New Jersey. “We are proud to serve the Central New Jersey region and take great pride in helping keep boaters safe.”
Sea Tow Central New Jersey’s fleet of commercial, purpose-built Sea Tow boats are strategically positioned at Key Harbor Marina in Waretown, allowing them to routinely respond under one hour. Its crew of Coast Guard-Licensed Captains have more than 80 combined years of on-water experience and are standing by to help when the unexpected happens. When not assisting Sea Tow® members and other boaters, the team patrols popular boating areas, including Tices Shoal, Oyster Creek Channel, Barnegat Inlet and surrounding areas.
For more information about Sea Tow, visit seatow.com.
About Sea Tow Services International, Inc.
Sea Tow Services International Inc. is the administrator of the worldwide Sea Tow® membership program and network of Sea Tow franchisees who provide assistance to members. Sea Tow has been the premier leader of on-water assistance for 40+ years. The pioneering concept, founded by Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer, was established in Southold, NY when the United States Coast Guard ceased response to non-emergency assistance calls. Sea Tow members are provided with a 24/7 connection to Coast Guard-Licensed Captains to assist with their on-water needs. In addition, the franchise network handles salvage and recovery operations, and responds to natural disasters, environmental hazards and oil spill cleanups. Sea Care is Sea Tow’s B2B offering that provides participants the option to include on-water assistance membership with the purchase of a boat, trailer, or engine. Visit seatow.com to learn more or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
Boat and engine manufacturers, boat dealers or brokers that are interested in learning more about Sea Care programs should email workwithseatow@seatow.com.
