Two people were rescued by the Coast Guard after their boat began taking on water east of Point Lookout in St. Mary’s County.
The Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region received the distress signal via a very high frequency broadcast Saturday morning that a 37-foot boat was taking on water with two people on board, just four nautical miles from Point Lookout.
According to a social media post from the Coast Guard, the owner of the vessel initially reported that the bilge pumps, which are used to remove water that collects in the lowest part of the boat, were keeping up with the flooding.
“The situation quickly deteriorated when one pump failed, and the stern began to submerge,” the post reads.
The Coast Guard launched a response boat from the St. Inigoes station and notified state and local entities of the emergency.
Upon arrival, the Coast Guard rescued both people on board just seconds before the boat capsized and sank, the post says.
Attached were photos and videos of the vessel when the Coast Guard arrived that show the back half of the vessel quickly sinking. In a matter of 15 seconds, an overhang on the back of the vessel went from sitting feet above the water to submerged below the water level.
According to the Coast Guard, both individuals were transported safely to shore with no reported injuries and no emergency medical services required.
“This incident underscores the vital importance of having a functioning VHF radio to call for help, always wearing lifejackets and performing regular equipment checks before heading out on the water,” the post reads. “Being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency.”
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