Multiple agencies responded last week to rescue an overdue boater near South Point.
On Nov. 19, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) was alerted to a search for an overdue boater in the waters south of the South Point boat ramp, according to a news release from the Ocean City Fire Department.
At the request of NRP, Ocean City Fire Boat 1 responded along with resources from the Ocean Pines, Berlin, and Stockton fire companies, Maryland State Police Aviation Command – Trooper 6, National Park Service rangers, United States Coast Guard, Worcester County Emergency Services, and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office for a multi-agency operation led by NRP.
While conducting a search of the area, the crew aboard Ocean City’s Fire Boat 1 saw the boater on their infrared camera and spotted the boater flashing a light toward their vessel approximately 500 yards away, according to the news release. Using the vessel’s advanced navigation and search capabilities, the crew quickly pinpointed the boater’s exact location and relayed the information to Maryland State Police Aviation – Trooper 6, allowing aviation crews to light up the boater and his vessel from their aircraft and guide a nearby vessel in to make contact. The boater was subsequently retrieved and safely transported to shore.
“This rescue truly highlights the skill and readiness of our marine response team and the critical capabilities of Fire Boat 1 in challenging conditions,” Deputy Chief Derrick Simpson said. “Our strong partnerships with Maryland Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police Aviation, and our neighboring fire companies, and others were essential in bringing this operation to a safe conclusion.”
Nice work!
Was it the USS Minno ?