OC Fire Dept. Assists in Search & Rescue of Missing Boater
OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) successfully assisted the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) in a search and rescue of a missing boater on Wednesday night.
At 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 19, NRP were alerted for a search for an overdue boater in the waters around the South Point boat ramp. The boater had been last heard from at 3:30 p.m. and was reportedly a 14-year-old juvenile.
Ocean City Fire Boat One was requested to respond, along with resources from the Ocean Pines, Berlin, and Stockton Volunteer Fire Companies, Maryland State Police Aviation Command, National Park Service Rangers, United States Coast Guard, Worcester Emergency Services, and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.
While conducting a coordinated search of the area, the crew aboard Fire Boat 1 observed the boater on their FLIR Camera and spotted the boater flashing a light toward their vessel approximately 500 yards away. The crew quickly pinpointed the boater’s exact location and relayed the information to the aviation unit, allowing crews to light up the boater and his vessel from their aircraft and guide a nearby vessel in to make contact.
Crews operated for approximately two hours. The boater was subsequently accessed and safely transported to shore.
“This rescue truly highlights the skill and readiness of our marine response team and the critical capabilities of Fire Boat One in challenging conditions,” said Deputy Chief Derrick Simpson. “Our strong partnerships with Maryland NRP, Maryland State Police Aviation, and our neighboring fire companies, and others were essential in bringing this operation to a safe conclusion.”
In addition to recognizing the coordinated efforts in this rescue, OCFD encourages all boaters to follow safe-boating practices recommended by NRP. This includes sharing a float plan with a friend or family member, setting a designated “back-to-dock” time, and ensuring someone can check on you if you do not return as expected. Boaters are also reminded to carry proper communication devices, wear life jackets, monitor weather conditions, and avoid operating alone whenever possible.
