BERKELEY TOWNSHIP — A 64-year-old Bayville man has been charged in connection with a July boat crash in the Intercoastal Waterway that resulted in the deaths of two children, New Jersey State Police said Friday.
Charges filed in crash that ejected children from boat
Authorities identified the defendant as Stephen Schneider, 64, of Bayville. Schneider faces two counts of reckless vessel homicide/death by vessel, along with counts for driving a vessel under the influence and reckless operation of a vessel, the state police said.
The collision occurred shortly after 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, when Schneider's 30-foot Tidewater Custom 280 struck a channel marker in the waterways of Berkely Township in Ocean County. As a result of the impact, two children — a 7-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy — were thrown from the boat into the water.
First responders recovered both children from the water unresponsive; they were transported to a hospital where they were later pronounced dead, police said.
Custody and next steps
Schneider was being held in the Ocean County jail Friday night awaiting a future court appearance, according to the state police. Officials did not immediately release additional details about his arraignment date, bail conditions or any pending investigation steps.
The state police provided a brief statement outlining the charges and the basic circumstances of the crash. Law enforcement agencies often withhold some investigative details while active inquiries and potential prosecutions are pending.
Local impact and safety questions
The deaths prompted an outpouring of grief across the shore community, where summer boating and water recreation are central to local life and the economy. Collisions with channel markers, while uncommon, can cause abrupt jolts and vessel instability, increasing the risk of passengers being ejected, particularly if they are not wearing personal flotation devices.
The state police did not specify whether the children were wearing life jackets at the time of the crash or whether alcohol or other impairment levels have been officially confirmed. The charges alleging operation under the influence suggest investigators believe impairment played a role.
- Date of crash: July 19
- Location: Intercoastal Waterway, Berkely Township, Ocean County
- Vessel involved: 30-foot Tidewater Custom 280
- Defendant: Stephen Schneider, 64, of Bayville
- Victims: 7-year-old girl and 9-year-old boy (both deceased)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date/Time | Just after 9 p.m., July 19 |
| Charges | Reckless vessel homicide (2 counts); driving vessel under the influence; reckless operation |
What authorities and experts typically examine
In crashes of this nature, investigators generally review vessel speed, operator conduct, sobriety testing results, witness testimony, onboard safety equipment and environmental conditions such as visibility and currents. They may also examine navigational aids and marker placement when a collision with a channel marker is involved.
Because criminal charges have been filed, prosecutors will need to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the operator's actions rose to the level of criminal recklessness and that impairment or negligence directly contributed to the deaths.
Community reaction and next steps for readers
The deaths of two children in a single boating incident have reverberated through Ocean County, where residents and visitors alike depend on marine safety during the busy summer months. Local officials and law enforcement often remind boaters to use life jackets, follow posted speed limits, avoid alcohol while operating vessels and maintain awareness of navigational markers.
State police said Schneider was in custody Friday night and is due to appear before a court at a later date. Additional information, including formal court filings and any statements from family members or attorneys, may become available as the case proceeds.
WE NEWS will continue to monitor the investigation and any court proceedings and will report updates as they are released by the New Jersey State Police and the Ocean County courts.
Rohan Iyer is the WE NEWS state correspondent covering New Jersey developments.
