Crew of sinking boat, family in distress rescued from potomac river creek

Crew of Sinking Boat, Family in Distress Rescued from Potomac River Creek

by
July 5, 2024

Piscataway Creek, MD – On July 4, at approximately 10:54 PM, a distress call was made via VHF Marine radio and Public Safety Communications, reporting a boat rapidly taking on water after striking an unlit buoy in Piscataway Creek on the Potomac River. The vessel, carrying seven people, became 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.

The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department’s Falcon 1 helicopter provided air support, using new FLIR technology to quickly locate the vessel in distress and direct responding boats to the scene.

A private tow boat towed the sinking vessel to a local marina, while the Fairfax County Police Marine Unit transported the seven passengers to shore. The Prince George’s County Police Department Marine Unit towed the Good Samaritan vessel and its four passengers to safety.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

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