“THE FIREMEN JUMPED RIGHT IN” — DESPERATE CPR EFFORTS FOLLOWED BARNEGAT BAY BOAT CRASH

A peaceful summer night on the Jersey Shore turned into a frantic rescue operation after a 30-foot boat slammed into a channel marker in Barnegat Bay.

The collision sent 9-year-old Mya Bella Golabek and her 7-year-old brother, Sigmund Paul Golabek, into the dark water.

Both children were later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

FIRST RESPONDERS RUSHED TO HELP

Berkeley Township Councilman James Byrnes, who witnessed the emergency response, recalled how quickly firefighters moved toward the children.

“The firemen jumped right in,” Byrnes told News 12 New Jersey.

He described seeing a life jacket beside one of the children as first responders attempted CPR.

Because CPR was being performed, responders removed the life jacket so they could properly administer emergency treatment.

A RACE AGAINST TIME

The crash occurred at approximately 9 p.m. on July 19, when the boat struck a channel marker near Berkeley Township.

The impact threw both children into the water.

Their grandparents, Stephen and Laurie Schneider, were aboard and helped retrieve the children before emergency crews took over the rescue effort.

For the firefighters and medical personnel who responded that night, the scene was one that would be difficult to forget.

THE CASE HAS NOW TAKEN A NEW TURN

Weeks after the crash, Stephen Schneider, now 64, was arrested after authorities alleged that he had been operating the boat while intoxicated.

He voluntarily surrendered to police and is facing two second-degree reckless vessel homicide charges, along with charges related to operating a vessel under the influence and reckless operation.

Authorities have not publicly released his blood-alcohol level.

The charges are allegations, and Schneider is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

 TWO CHILDREN WHO SHOULD HAVE GONE HOME

Mya and Sigmund were siblings described by their loved ones as exceptionally close.

Their obituaries remember them as best friends who shared sports, swimming, creativity and time with their family.

Now, the images of first responders fighting desperately to save them have become part of a tragedy that has shaken the community.

 ONE BOAT.

 ONE DARK NIGHT ON THE BAY.

 FIREFIGHTERS RUSHING INTO ACTION.

AND TWO CHILDREN WHO NEVER MADE IT HOME.

The emergency response may have lasted only minutes, but for the family — and for those who witnessed it — the memory is likely to last forever.

Independent commentary based on publicly reported information. Criminal charges are allegations and not proof of guilt.