Following two fatal boating crashes in Ocean County within the past week, officials are urging boaters to exercise extra caution, particularly when navigating local waterways at night.

The latest tragedy occurred just before 11 p.m. Saturday in Barnegat Bay, where New Jersey State Police said one person was killed and three others were injured after a boat struck a channel marker in Toms River.

Investigators said the vessel collided with a steel channel marker anchored in the bay, leaving the structure visibly damaged. Officials also confirmed the marker’s flashing red navigation light was operating properly at the time of the crash.

Authorities believe the vessel may have been traveling outside the marked navigation channel before striking the fixed marker.

The crash came just days after another fatal boating accident on July 19, when two children, ages 7 and 9, were killed after the boat they were riding in with their grandparents struck a channel marker off Berkeley Township.

Officials say the recent tragedies underscore the importance of understanding local waterways, paying close attention to navigation markers, reducing speed, and using extra caution while boating after dark. They also recommend that operators only navigate unfamiliar waters at night if they are experienced and their vessels are properly equipped.

Both fatal crashes remain under investigation by the New Jersey State Police.