Smith Point Sea Rescue vice president Jim Bullard reported crews recently responded to the following calls for assistance:
November 25: At 10 a.m., the sheriff received a call from the captain of a 24-foot powerboat that was disabled and leaking oil in the Chesapeake Bay south of the Smith Point Light. Rescue I was dispatched from Reedville and towed the boat with 4 passengers into Buzzard Point Marina for repairs. Time on call, 1.5 hours.
November 25: While returning to base from the rescue above, the sheriff called with a report of a 24-foot Grady white cabin cruiser, out of gas, near Smith Point Light. Rescue I motored back into the bay and located the boat with 3 aboard. The crew handed the captain a can with 5 gallons of gas allowing him to restart his engine. Rescue I then escorted the boat into Buzzards Point Marina where the captain refilled the can and returned it to the crew. Time on call, 2.5 hours.
December 11: At 11:30 a.m., the sheriff received a distress call from the captain of a 28-foot deadrise fishing boat tangled in a gill net and unable to lower his outdrive. Rescue I found the disabled boat southeast of Smith Point Light with 3 aboard. The vessel was towed to Jennings Boatyard for repairs. Time on call, 3 hours.
December 13: At 9:15 a.m. a 30-foot Catalina sailboat was towed by Rescue III from Olverson’s Marina on the Yeocomico River to Lewisetta Marina on the Coan River where the boat was hauled out of the water for repairs. Time on call, 2.5 hours.
Smith Point Sea Rescue is a totally volunteer rescue unit which serves boaters from Ragged Point to the mouth of the Potomac River, south to the Rappahannock River and across to the Bay to the eastern shore, said Bullard. The organization receives no governmental monetary support and depends solely on donations to fund their operations for the year.
Smith Point Sea Rescue can be reached on channel 16 or by calling 911. Rescue I and II are based on the Great Wicomico River and Rescue III is on Lodge Creek off the Yeocomico River.
