The mystery began when Rudolph, in an overzealous nose dive during a test flight, accidentally dropped Santa’s cherished bells near the bridge. "Ho Ho Ho, I was in the sleigh when it happened!" Santa chuckled. Despite the mishap, Rudolph isn’t in trouble. “He’s like a big kid and was just playing,” Santa reassured.

Santa arrived on a Phillipsburg firetruck just before 10:00 a.m. to oversee the recovery operation. Four “diving elves” from GSURU, equipped with specialized gear, took the icy plunge into the Delaware. The crowd, bundled up against the cold, watched in anticipation as the divers worked to locate the bells in the murky riverbed.

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Watch the recovery effort below as reported only on TAPinto. 

The Bells Are Found!

Santa has some pretty good friends here in the Garden State. After searching, the GSURU team emerged triumphantly with the bells in hand from Moose, one of the elves diving in. “It’s good to see them recovered,” said Moose. “There was a lot of mud down there, but we found them!”
Santa, visibly relieved, expressed gratitude for the team’s efforts. “These are my original bells, and while I always have a backup, nothing beats the jingles of the originals,” he said with a warm smile.

Community Support and Festive Fun

The Phillipsburg Fire and Police Departments, alongside Mayor Randy Piazza Jr. and Town Council members, were on hand to support the operation. “It must have been the lights on the bridge that distracted Rudolph,” Mayor Piazza speculated. “Thankfully, the Garden State Underwater Recovery Unit arrived today and helped solve the case and saved Christmas!”
Councilman Keith Kennedy added, “I’m glad they found Santa’s bells.” 

Children gathered with many questions for the jolly Santa, but there were so many, we're including them in a follow up story of what children want to know from St. Nick. 

GSURU’s Dedication to Service
Founded in 1960 and based in Milford, NJ, the Garden State Underwater Recovery Unit is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization specializing in water rescue and recovery operations. With no government funding, the team relies entirely on community support to cover expenses, including insurance.

“Most of our work involves recovering drowning victims, but we’re always happy to assist in unique missions like this,” said GSURU Captain Frank Nester. The unit also plays a crucial role in hurricane rescues, evidence recovery for law enforcement, and teaching water safety courses.

What’s Next for Santa and GSURU?

To celebrate the successful rescue, Santa will join GSURU at the Milford Bridge on Saturday, December 14, for their annual coin toss fundraiser. This event helps the team raise the $50,000 + needed annually to continue their vital work.

Santa’s parting words to the children gathered at the boat ramp were full of joy: “Don’t worry, kids—I’m ready for Christmas now!” As for what he wants for Christmas himself? “Not too many cookies,” Santa laughed, “but candy canes are always welcome!”

With his bells safely returned, Santa is back on track to deliver holiday magic to children everywhere. Phillipsburg, once again, has proven itself to be a town where miracles—and a little Christmas magic—are always within reach.