The Jet Star roller coaster was a popular attraction located at Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. It was originally built in 1972 and was a popular destination for thrill-seekers for over 40 years. However, in 2012, Hurricane Sandy devastated the New Jersey coastline and caused the coaster to fall into the ocean.
Hurricane Sandy hit the New Jersey coastline on October 29, 2012, causing widespread damage and destruction. The storm surge and high winds caused severe damage to Casino Pier, and the Jet Star roller coaster was among the many rides and attractions that were destroyed.
After the storm, the twisted metal and mangled track of the Jet Star roller coaster became a symbol of the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy. The coaster had become partially submerged in the Atlantic Ocean and was a haunting reminder of the power of nature.
It took several days to carefully dismantle and remove the twisted metal, and the process was closely watched by locals and visitors alike. The time lapse video of the removal is a sight to see.
While the Jet Star roller coaster is no longer standing, its memory lives on as a reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. In the subsequent years, the owners of Casino Pier rebuilt the pier and have continued to add more rides each year. The Hydrus has replaced the Jet Star as the most popular ride in town
The Hydrus coaster was manufactured by Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, a German company known for designing and building innovative thrill rides. It features a vertical lift hill that reaches a height of 72 feet (22 meters), followed by a series of twists, turns, and inversions. The coaster has a top speed of 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour) and features four inversions, including a barrel roll and a heartline roll.
The coaster’s name, “Hydrus,” is derived from the Latin word for water snake, and the ride’s theme incorporates elements of the ocean and marine life. The coaster’s trains are designed to resemble sharks, with the lead car featuring a menacing set of teeth.
The Hydrus roller coaster has become a popular attraction at Casino Pier and has helped to revitalize the boardwalk area in Seaside Heights. The coaster offers riders an exhilarating experience that combines speed, height, and thrilling inversions, all while offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Seaside Heights boardwalk.