Tugboat stuck off Ocean County beach

Authorities say the four aboard are safe and that the boat isn't in danger of sinking.

Lavallette Beach Patrol photo.

Lavallette Beach Patrol photo.

Update: The boat was freed Tuesday afternoon thanks to rescue boats and an incoming tide. Officials say there were no signs of pollution. 

A tugboat is stuck in the ocean just off an Ocean County beach.

The Coast Guard says the 71-foot vessel broke free from its moorings overnight Tuesday and is off Lavallette. MarineTraffic.com identifies the vessel as the Sea Cypress.

The tugboat became disabled when its tow line became entangled in its propeller, sending it drifting toward the beach.

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Authorities say the four aboard are safe and that the boat isn’t in danger of sinking.

Swimming is prohibited at beaches in the vicinity of Philadelphia Avenue, according to the Lavallette Beach Patrol.

A video posted on Twitter, below, shows waves breaking on a sandbar and hitting the tugboat.

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