Good Samaritan calls Coast Guard, nearby boat hits rocks in OC Inlet

OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Coast Guard rescued three people in the Ocean City Inlet, Saturday afternoon, after their boat reportedly hit rocks and was taking on water.

Officials say a Good Samaritan called the Coast Guard, via marine radio, around 2:10 p.m. to tell them that a nearby 24-foot boat needed help.

Maryland Natural Resources Police already 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 brought the boat and the three people to Sunset Marina.

The Coast Guard credited the radio call as a big help in this situation. “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.”