Smith Point Sea Rescue (SPSR) editor Dan Morissette recently reported that crews responded to the following calls for assistance:
March 14: At 1 p.m., SPSR received a report from a boater that a motor hose had broken on his 20-foot Wellcraft center console on Cockrell Creek. Rescue I dispatched with a crew of three, quickly located the vessel with one aboard, and towed it to Shell Landing for trailering. Time on call: 40 minutes.
March 16: At 10:40 p.m., the Northumberland County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) contacted SPSR to report a 20-foot center console with four aboard was out of gas off the Yeocomico River and Sandy Point in 3- to 4-foot seas. Rescue II launched from Olverson’s Marina at 11:20 p.m. with a crew of six and located the disabled vessel anchored in the Potomac at Sandy Point beach. Despite the difficult conditions, Rescue II maneuvered alongside the anchored vessel and delivered gas. Rescue II remained near the disabled vessel in case further assistance was needed. After three hours, the captain of the center console pulled anchor, started his motor and proceeded home on the Yeocomico. Rescue II followed the vessel to monitor its continued safety. Time on call: 3.5 hours.
April 27: At 9:10 a.m., NCSO contacted SPSR to report an unoccupied jon boat running in circles on the Coan River. Rescue II dispatched with a crew of three at 9:25 a.m. and was soon confronted with steady 3- to 4-foot waves, occasionally 5- to 6-foot. While Rescue II was en route, a Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) vessel was seen running at high speed, also responding. Shortly thereafter, NCSO contacted the Rescue II captain to advise that SPSR could stand down. Two persons from the circling boat had swum to shore and were safe.
After starting back toward Olverson’s, the SPSR captain received another call asking if Rescue II had rope on board that could be used to foul the prop of the unmanned vessel to stop it. While Rescue II was returning to the unmanned vessel to provide rope, VMRC advised Rescue II the situation was resolved. Time on call: 3.5 hours.
May 8: At 8 a.m., Rescue III was dispatched on its first mission with a crew of five in response to a call from the owner of a 36-foot sailboat off Wicomico Drive near Glebe Point, who requested that it be towed to Jennings Boatyard. Rescue III arrived on scene at 8:35 a.m. and towed the boat to the boatyard without incident. Time on call: 1.25 hours.
May 9: At 8:50 p.m., SPSR responded to a call that a 30-foot sailboat with one aboard had been anchored in the Chesapeake off Owens Pond and was blown aground, after the anchor broke free in high winds, and was taking on water over the side. Rescue III launched with a crew of five and arrived on scene at 10:20 p.m. Since shallow water prevented Rescue III from drawing close enough to provide a towline to the grounded vessel, the Coast Guard was called for assistance. The Coast Guard responded with a boat and a helicopter. The boater was airlifted to Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital. Time on call: 3 hours.
May 13: At 9:20 a.m., NCSO contacted SPRS to report that a 21-foot Striper dual console boat was stranded with an engine problem in the Yeocomico River near Kinsale. Rescue II dispatched at 10 a.m. with a crew of three and arrived at the disabled vessel across from Port Kinsale Marina at 10:25 a.m. The vessel was then towed to Sandy Point Marina. Time on call: 1.8 hours.
Smith Point Sea Rescue is a volunteer rescue unit which serves boaters on the Potomac River from Coles Point to Smith Point, south to the Rappahannock River, and across the Chesapeake Bay to Smith and Tangier islands. The organization receives no regular governmental monetary support, depending solely on donations.
Smith Point Sea Rescue does not charge for its services and can be reached on VHF channel 16 or by calling 911. Rescue I, Rescue III and Rescue Skiff A are based in Reedville; Rescue II and Rescue Skiff B on Lodge Creek near Callao.
