N.J. Police Probe Officer's Disappearance From Boat

Aug. 28, 2012
New Jersey State Police investigators have found nothing suspicious after performing a forensic evidence search on Middle Township patrolman Jason Sill's sport-fishing boat.

Aug. 28--WILDWOOD -- New Jersey State Police investigators have found nothing suspicious after performing a forensic evidence search on Middle Township patrolman Jason Sill's sport-fishing boat.

The boat was found empty and adrift about one mile offshore on Monday morning and was towed to Coast Guard Station Cape May.

Sill, 39, of Cape May Court House, remains missing and a massive search involving the State Police, U.S. Coast Guard, local beach patrols and other agencies is still underway off the southern Cape May County coast.

The State Police on Tuesday morning said the boat offered no clues as to what happened. The boat was found with the keys in the ignition and the throttle in the forward position, but State Police Lt. Stephen Jones said Tuesday that the 23-foot Nautic Star center-console fishing boat was not running.

There had been speculation that Sill fell off the boat while it was underway.

"It was not on," said Jones.

Asked if the boat had run out of gas or had mechanical problems, Jones said that information is not being released yet. The boat was found with the outboard engine still in the water and fishing poles still in place.

The State Police also released an updated timeline. It was reported on Monday that Sill left the Pier 47 Marina in Middle Township at 11 a.m. and his unoccupied vessel, named Rock-n-Reel, was found around noon.

The State Police are saying Sill actually left the marina around 9:30 a.m. and the boat was found at 10:45 a.m.

"He was alone and told others at the pier that he intended on fishing in the back-bay," states a press release from the State Police.

What happened between 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. remains a mystery.

"There are a lot of unanswered questions right now and we hope to get them answered," said Middle Township Police Chief Chris Leusner.

Sill, who is married and has one child, is a decorated 13-year veteran of the department who is credited with helping save the lives of at least two people.

Leusner said it is a tough time for the department and the family.

"We're trying to support the Sill family as best we can and we're gratified for all the agencies who have been involved trying to locate him," Leusner said.

The search was suspended at dark on Monday but Jones said it resumed at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. The State Police used side-scan sonar to search the ocean floor, mostly working in about 20 to 30 feet of water along the coast from Hereford Inlet south. Weather prevented Coast Guard helicopters from flying Tuesday morning but plans were to resume as soon as conditions permitted it.

Several dive teams were on the boats in case they are needed. Several area beach patrols used personal watercraft to search and even some private boaters joined in, though they were told to steer clear of the State Police vessels.

More Coverage

--Search continues for Middle Township police officer missing in ocean off Wildwood

--Search on for missing man after boat seen empty

Copyright 2012 - The Press of Atlantic City, Pleasantville, N.J.

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