Maryland State Police Helicopter Rescues Three Stranded Jet Skiers in Talbot County

TALBOT COUNTY, MD — Three women were rescued Friday after becoming stranded while riding jet skis in Skipton Creek in Talbot County, according to the Maryland State Police Aviation Command.

Authorities said the three 18-year-old women became stuck in deep mud and shallow water while jet skiing on the creek. Rescue crews determined the area was inaccessible by boat because the water was less than 12 inches deep and surrounded by extremely soft mud.

Maryland State Police Aviation Command’s Trooper 6 helicopter, based in Easton, was dispatched to the scene to conduct an aerial hoist rescue.

Before beginning the operation, the helicopter crew established cellphone contact with the stranded riders to explain the rescue process and provide instructions on how to safely enter the rescue basket.

Trooper 6 completed two hoist operations and safely rescued all three women, who were not injured. They were then transferred to awaiting local fire department personnel.

The rescue came during dangerous heat conditions, with temperatures reaching 99 degrees and the heat index climbing to about 115 degrees, making a rapid response especially important, police said.

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command has served the state since 1970 and operates a fleet of 10 AW139 helicopters from seven bases across Maryland. The agency provides around-the-clock emergency response, including medical transport, law enforcement support, search and rescue, homeland security missions and disaster assessment.

State police credited the successful rescue to the coordinated efforts of the Aviation Command and local emergency response agencies.