EXCLUSIVE: 8 rescued after boat overturns in Raritan Bay

SANDY HOOK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Eight men had to be rescued from Raritan Bay Saturday morning after their fishing boat overturned between the coast of Staten Island and Sandy Hook.

The accident happened at about 10:45 a.m. The operator of the boat believes that a problem with the anchor of their boat forced their vessel to overturn.

Recreational fishermen on a nearby boat raced to the scene and removed six of the eight stranded men from the chilly waters while the two remaining men were pulled from the water by one of two FDNY Marine Units that responded to the scene.One FDNY member jumped into the water to assist the victims.

"The line to the anchor got caught in the engine, and just started taking on water. It happened pretty quick, we just went right down," said Tim Haigh.

All eight were transported by the FDNY Marine Unit to Pier 2 in Sheepshead Bay where they were all evaluated and treated.

"We got a phone call that he was in trouble. A quick call, and we knew where he was fishing...I got over there, I got on the binoculars, and we saw him in the water and we got them out," said Jay Vandeven.

The passengers on the boat were checked out by paramedics, but none had to be taken back to the hospital.

So, with a story to tell, the passengers hitched a ride on another boat.

"I guess we don't have a choice - it's a long walk back to Cross Bay," said John Delpozzo.

There is no word on how much it will cost to replace the vessel, or when it will be pulled out of the water.