On Saturday, May 8, Smith Point Sea Rescue responded to a call from a 42” deadrise that was dead in the water and pressed up against a pound net just south of the Great Wicomico River. Those aboard the deadrise had made a cell call to family members requesting someone bring fuel. Two teenagers set out in a 22-foot skiff with 5 gallons of fuel. With 25 mph wind and 4- to 5-foot seas, those aboard the skiff successfully passed the fuel over to the deadrise. The skiff then swamped and flipped over inside the pound net, putting the two teenagers into the water. One of the boys was able to get hold of the net and get onto the deadrise. The second was briefly trapped under the skiff and had to remove his life jacket so he could get out from under the overturned boat. One of the boys got his hand caught between the two boats and received a deep gash in the palm of his hand At this point Smith Point Sea Rescue was called by those aboard the deadrise to assist. Six Sea Rescue members responded to the two boats docked on Cockrells Creeek.

With the report of two individuals in the water and water temperature in the low 60s, two of the first three Sea Rescue members to arrive at the boathouse took Rescue II, the smaller but faster boat, in an effort to get to the scene as quickly as possible. Rescue I would then follow to assist the disabled Deadrise.

Rescue II took aboard the injured boy and by radio contacted the Northumberland sheriff’s office requesting that the rescue squad meet them at the Crazy Crab restaurant. The rescue squad transported the injured boy to the hospital.

Rescue I proceeded to the scene and as it arrived, the Deadrise was able to start its motor and departed for their dock. Rescue I made a full report to Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads and returned to the boathouse to rejoin Rescue II.

Smith Point Sea Rescue is a totally volunteer rescue unit which serves boaters from Ragged Point to the mouth of the Potomac River, south to the Rappahannock River and across to the eastern shore. Smith Point Sea Rescue can be reached 24/7 on channel 16 or by calling 911.The organization receives no governmental monetary support and depends solely on the proceeds of Annual Reedville Fishing Derby and donations to fund their operation for the year