Advertisement

Coast Guard Assists Boaters Stranded on Chesapeake Bay Island

BALTIMORE — A Coast Guard aircrew safely recovered two men stranded on Adam Island in the Chesapeake Bay this morning.

The men intentionally ran their 17-foot vessel aground on the marshy, unpopulated island after becoming beset by foul weather Saturday night.

One of the boaters’ fathers notified watchstanders in the Sector Maryland-National Capital Region’s command center at 9:45 a.m. today that the two men were still stranded and soaking wet on the island.

Advertisement

An already-airborne MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, diverted from a training flight to assist. The crew landed on Adam Island, recovered the two men and transported them to Salisbury Regional Airport in Salisbury, Maryland.

The boaters are scheduled to retrieve their vessel as soon as possible.

“Adverse weather conditions can suddenly emerge and impact anyone’s underway voyage at any time,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Terrence Young, operations unit controller for the case. “That’s why it’s vital to continuously check weather forecasts in your area and prepare for the worst-case scenario by bringing appropriate safety gear and dressing for harsh conditions.”

Advertisement
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kensuke Caldwell/Released)
A 17-foot recreational fishing vessel sits aground on Adam Island in the Chesapeake Bay, April 29, 2018. Two men purposely grounded the vessel the previous evening when they became beset by inclement weather, then called the Coast Guard for assistance in getting off the island. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kensuke Caldwell/Released) U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kensuke Caldwell/Released)
Advertisement
Advertisement