The Coast Guard assisted three people aboard a vessel taking on water in Ocean City, Md. Inlet Saturday afternoon.
A good Samaritan called watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region via VHF-FM marine radio channel 16 at 2:10 p.m. to notify them that a nearby 24-foot vessel had hit the rocks and was taking on water.
An already-underway 24-foot Special Purpose Craft-Shallow Water boat crew from Coast Guard Station Ocean City diverted from their patrol to assist.
A boat crew with the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) had the vessel in tow when the Coast Guard crew arrived on scene. The Station Ocean City crew took over the tow, dewatered the vessel, then transported the boat and the three mariners to Sunset Marina.
“Channel 16 is a critical lifeline between boaters in distress and the Coast Guard,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Zackary Schultz, coxswain for the case. “Having a reliable communications device like a VHF marine radio can save your life when you need assistance.”
