On Sunday, August 25, 2024, a tragic boating accident claimed the life of 18-year-old Zeina Mahafzah from Wayne, New Jersey. The accident occurred around 4:30 p.m. in the waters off Sunset Park in Harvey Cedars, located on Long Beach Island.
According to the New Jersey State Police, Mahafzah had been riding on a raft pulled by a boat driven by her father. As she attempted to re-board the vessel, she was struck by the boat’s propeller, dismembering her, resulting in catastrophic injuries. Despite the immediate response of emergency personnel, Mahafzah was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. Several individuals on board the boat witnessed the gory accident and were treated for trauma at the scene.
The Harvey Cedars Police Department, along with the New Jersey State Police Marine Bureau, is leading the investigation into the accident. Authorities are working to determine whether mechanical failure or other contributing factors played a role in the tragic incident. No further information has been released as the investigation remains ongoing.
Boating accidents are relatively rare in the region but can serve as stark reminders of the dangers associated with water-based recreational activities. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, strict adherence to safety protocols is essential, as accidents can happen swiftly, even in seemingly safe environments.
A similar tragedy occurred in New Jersey in recent years. In 2017, a crew member died in a boating collision during the Offshore Grand Prix in Point Pleasant Beach.
As the investigation into Mahafzah’s death continues, the community is offering its support to her grieving family. Authorities have requested that the family’s privacy be respected and that the public continue to provide their thoughts and prayers during this time of mourning.
