PGPD Heroic Rescue on the Potomac River

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On July 4, 2024, at approximately 10:54 pm, a distress call was made over VHF Marine radio and to Public Safety Communications, reporting a boat rapidly taking on water after striking an unlit buoy in the area of Piscataway Creek on the Potomac River. The vessel, carrying seven people, was disabled.



A good Samaritan vessel attempted to assist but became entangled in the distressed boat’s lines, rendering it disabled with two adults and two children on board.



Regional assets, including the Prince George's County Police Department Marine Unit, Fairfax County Police Marine Unit, Prince George's County Fire Department Volunteer Marine Rescue, the D.C. Fire Department, and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department’s Harbor Patrol launched a search for the vessels.



D.C. Metropolitan Police Department’s Falcon 1 helicopter provided air support and quickly located the vessel in distress using brand-new FLIR technology. Falcon then directed responding boats to the scene.



A private tow boat managed to tow the sinking vessel to a local marina, while the Fairfax County Police Marine Unit transported the seven passengers to shore. The PGPD Marine Unit towed the Good Samaritan vessel, along with its four passengers.



This operation underscores the exceptional coordination, dedication, and professionalism of all officers involved. Their quick and effective response ensured the safety of everyone involved, demonstrating their commitment to protecting our community and waterways. We are immensely proud of their efforts and grateful for their unwavering dedication.

Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: https://so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at https://so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at https://so.md/expungeme.