On Wednesday, June 1st, the U.S. Coast Guard, local partner agencies, and a good Samaritan responded to a mayday call from a boat with 23 people aboard near Bloodsworth Island.
Responding agencies included Maryland Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police, Dorchester County EMS, and Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region received a digital selective calling alert of distress with the boat’s Maritime Mobile Service Identity number from a boater aboard a 40-foot boat.
The DSC notification was followed by a distress call over VHF-FM marine channel 16 stating, “Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is the motor vessel Karen N. We have sunk off of Bloodsworth Island.” Communications were lost soon after.
Sector Maryland-National Capital Region issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched boat crews from Coast Guard Station Crisfield, while SYSCOM Helicopter Communications notified Maryland State Police and launched two helicopter crews.
A good Samaritan heard the UMIB, responded, arrived on scene and was able to get the 23 boaters aboard. Once all persons in the water were brought aboard, the good Samaritan transported them to Wingate and transferred them to awaiting EMS personnel.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) President William C. Baker issued a statement in response to the incident, saying:
“At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon a Chesapeake Bay Foundation boat apparently struck a submerged object west of Bloodsworth Island. There were 23 students, parents, teachers, and staff on board.
“CBF will conduct a review of the incident and cooperate with the Coast Guard in their investigation.”
According to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the The Karen N is a 40-ft. jet-drive field investigation boat.
The accident is reported to have occurred in a prohibited area.
primary sources: United States Coast Guard, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.