Eight people found themselves in dangerously cold water off Virginia’s North Neck after their 50-foot powerboat began taking on water. Their rescue story emphasizes the need to bring the right equipment with you on the water, every time.
When Nauti Dream began to take on water, the crew called 911 and hailed the Coast Guard on their VHF radio. A local volunteer sea rescue team, Smith Point Sea Rescue, which serves the Chesapeake Bay, responded.
The survivors used their VHF radio and flares to be found by their rescuers. The eight were found huddled together, floating in the 49-degree water. Some of the three women and five men had developed mild to moderate hypothermia. They were taken to Ingram Bay Marina where an EMS crew treated them.
“The maritime environment is inherently dangerous, which is compounded with severe weather and cold water temperatures,” says Lt. Joe Bannon, search and rescue mission coordinator. “This case highlights the importance of having necessary gear and training to survive until help arrives.”
Life jackets, flares and a handheld VHF radio are the bare minimum equipment to have in case of an emergency. An EPIRB, a PLB, or other emergency communications device and a dinghy or a life raft can increase the chances of survival at sea.
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