CRISFIELD, MD — The Coast Guard hoisted a man and his dogs two miles south of Smith Island Thursday morning.
Sector Maryland watchstanders received a distress call via VHF-FM radio at approximately 11 p.m. from a recreational boater reporting that his 26-foot sailing vessel had become disabled due to weather conditions near Smith Island.
A Station Crisfield 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew was launched along with an Air Station Atlantic City MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew to assist the man. A Maryland State Trooper helicopter aircrew also arrived to assist and visually confirmed the vessel's location.
The man was hoisted along with his two dogs to Salisbury Regional Airport with no reported injuries.
"This instance highlights the importance of checking the weather prior to leaving for any voyage and continuing to monitor the marine forecast, as weather can change at a moment's notice," said Lt. Alfred Betts, public affairs officer at Sector Maryland. "We greatly appreciate the rapid response and capabilities of our partners with the Maryland State Police, with whom we worked very closely on this case."
