Coast Guard rescues 4 from vessel taking on water near Ocean City

Courtesy Photo | Crewmembers from Coast Guard Station Ocean City, Maryland help dewater a vessel taking on water off the coast of Ocean City, June 20, 2022. The crew's efforts led to the vessel being able to safely return to port without sinking, endangering the lives of the people aboard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)  

OCEAN CITY, MD, UNITED STATES

06.20.2022

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen Lehmann 

U.S. Coast Guard District 5   

OCEAN CITY, Md. — Coast Guard members rescued four people when their vessel began taking on water 15 miles off shore of Ocean City, Monday.

Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region watchstanders received a distress alert from a Digital Selective Calling feature aboard the fishing vessel Hot Pursuit. After making contact, the captain of the vessel stated the boat was taking on water and didn’t know if the vessel could make it back to port before it sank.

A boatcrew aboard a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Coast Guard Station Ocean City was launched to assist. When the crew arrived on scene, they embarked two of the four passengers and stabilized the vessel with dewatering pumps. The Hot Pursuit was escorted to Sunset Marina where it will undergo repairs. No medical concerns were reported.

“The distress alert feature on marine radios and GPS’s can be a game changer if it’s properly set up,” said Chief Michael Weelmaa, command duty officer for Sector Maryland-NCR. “In situations like this, every second matters. Follow the instructions for your device before you head out on the water to ensure we’re locked in on your location and can get to you quickly.”

• Date Taken: 06.20.2022
• Date Posted: 06.20.2022 12:34
• Story ID: 423375
• Location: OCEAN CITY, MD, US