Crews with the United States Coast Guard, with the help of two good Samaritans, rescued three adults and a child who were adrift in their small boat near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Sunday afternoon, Dec. 4, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard)
Crews with the United States Coast Guard, with the help of two good Samaritans, rescued three adults and a child who were adrift in their small boat near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Sunday afternoon.
The passengers of the boat, a 22-foot white center console, contacted the Coast Guard at about 12:40 p.m. saying they were disabled and taking on water at Thimble Shoal South Island, or First Island, and drifting towards the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
The Coast Guard lost contact with the boat but a good Samaritan was able to establish contact with them and provided the rescuers with their exact location, according to the Coast Guard. Another good Samaritan pulled the boat away from nearby rocks.
There was 2 feet of water in the boat when the Coast Guard’s rescue boat picked them up.
“We heard the original callout from the vessel asking for help and immediately began preparations to launch,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Cassidy. “This case was successful because the mariners were prepared with a VHF (very high frequency) radio, and both the station and multiple good Samaritans quickly responded.”
After the passengers were safe, the Coast Guard got the water out of the boat and towed the boat to Lynnhaven Boat Ramp.
No injuries were reported.
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