Father, son killed in watercraft collision off Somers Point

A father and his 8-year-old son died in a personal watercraft collision in Somers Point on Saturday.

New Jersey State Police said the boy from Maryland was driving with his father sitting behind him and hit a craft being driven by a 55-year-old woman from Egg Harbor Township as they rounded a sharp curve from opposite directions in Patcong Creek around 1:45 p.m.  The identities of the three were not disclosed by police.

The father and son were taken to Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point where they were pronounced dead. The woman suffered only a broken wrist. Both watercraft were taken to a marina for further investigation by a State Police forensics team.

State Police said that the limited sight lines at the location of the crash and the boy's inexperience as driver are considered contributing factors. There was no immediate indication alcohol was a factor.

"Personal water craft can be difficult boats to control for the inexperienced. If you or your loved ones are going to venture out on the water this season on any kind of boat, please obey all licensing requirements and follow all operation laws," State Police said in a statement.