BALTIMORE (March 24, 2014)—The Coast Guard assisted two boaters Monday by transferring them off a grounded boat approximately 200 yards from the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.
Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector Baltimore received notification at approximately 1 a.m. from boaters aboard their 30-foot sailboat, asking about weather conditions. Upon further questioning, the watchstanders were informed the boat was grounded and taking on water while anchored.
Sector watchstanders dispatched a crew aboard a 29-foot Response Boat - Small II from Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes to assist.
“When we arrived on scene, the captain informed us the bilge pumps were keeping up with the flooding, and he was considering staying aboard for the night,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Jozan, coxswain aboard the RB-S II.
Because of the conditions, Jozan decided it would be too dangerous to attempt to tow the boat.
“He and his wife decided to voluntarily disembark the vessel for the night and planned on returning to free the boat,” said Jozan. “Although the boaters were in no immediate danger, I wouldn’t have let the captain stay aboard the vessel had he wanted. If their bilge pumps were to fail, the situation could have become increasingly more dangerous for everyone.”
There are no reports of injury or pollution.
Source: USCG Public Affairs Detachment Baltimore