BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard and two good Samaritan boaters recovered three people from the water after their boat capsized near Indian River Inlet Wednesday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a distress call via VHF-FM radio channel 16 from boaters aboard a 23-foot boat.
Sector Delaware Bay issued an urgent marine information broadcast, diverted an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, and launched a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Indian River Inlet, Delaware.
The two good Samaritans responded to the UMIB and recovered the three boaters from the water. All three were wearing lifejackets.
The three were transferred to awaiting emergency medical personnel at Station Indian River Inlet.
“In the great maritime tradition of helping others at sea, the good Samaritans who heard the urgent marine information broadcast over their VHF marine radios immediately responded and helped save three lives today," said Captain Benjamin Cooper, Commander of Sector Delaware Bay. "This is a great testament to teamwork, preparation, wearing proper lifejackets and our community of mariners using their VHF radios to share information that helps save lives."
For breaking news, follow the 5th District on Twitter @USCGMidAtlantic.