March 3, 2012 OYSTER ROAST. Details Here.
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We Are Smith Point Sea Rescue
“Let’s take a ride over to Tangier today. The weather looks great!”
Famous last words. Everyone gets excited and jumps in the boat and takes off for Tangier. But amid all of the excitement, no one gave any thought about their own safety.
A recent SPSR incident which took place due west of Tangier Island demonstrates the importance of safe boating and being prepared for an emergency. In this situation, bad weather was moving in, darkness was descending, and the seas were rough and building.
SPSR had been notified that there was a small craft in distress, dead in the water. Things were looking very grim. This 20 foot vessel risked drifting into the shipping channel in the bay. And because they had no steerage they would not have had any way to maneuver clear of oncoming traffic. Their cell phone did not work. They had no working VHF radio. They had no lights to make their boat visible to other boats and ships. They had no emergency provisions, and no one on shore knew where they were. They were adrift and not even wearing a life jacket. Clearly, they were pushing their luck.
But Lady Luck was at their back, as they did have 3 emergency signal flares, and when they fired the third and final flare, another boater spotted them. And he was not just any boater, either. It turns out that Chesapeake Breeze owner Captain Linwood Bowis had returned from his daily cruise to and from Tangier Island and he was back over on the island to pick up members of his family in his 25 foot Trophy Pro Grady White boat.
As the Bowis family was headed back to Reedville, Captain Bowis saw an emergency signal flare in the air. He located the distressed vessel and was able to set a tow line and began a very slow journey back to Reedville. Conditions were rapidly deteriorating; electrical storms were firing up, the seas were becoming rougher, and it was nearly dark, making it difficult if not impossible for Captain Bowis to tow the boat and keep the rescued boaters and his own family safe. He contacted SPSR and requested assistance.
SPSR Captain Buddy Sylvia gathered his crew and got underway on board Sea Rescue 1, a 43 foot Provincial capable of handling the difficult weather and sea conditions. Using radar, he was able to easily locate the Bowis vessel. The hand off was made, and Captain Sylvia and crew secured the disabled vessel and successfully towed the boat and its occupants back to Reedville.
This situation for these boaters could have ended tragically. “Don’t let this happen to you” states Captain Sylvia. “Prepare for and prevent disasters before you leave port. Check your engine oil,
fuel level, and make sure you are carrying a working VHF radio (fixed or hand held). Have your cell phone, potable water, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and unexpired emergency signal flares on board as well.”
Further, Captain Sylvia urges all boaters to file a float plan. “You should always file a float plan with a reliable friend or neighbor. Tell them where you are going, and when you expect to return to port or arrive at your destination port. If you are delayed or run into trouble on the water, and your contact cannot reach you, they can notify the authorities who will send help. “
Too often boaters take for granted that their boats will never break down. Don’t be fooled. It can happen to anyone at any time. Be prepared every time you use your boat. You’ll have a much better chance to live and tell about it.
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 of Virginia. Smith Point Sea Rescue can be reached 24/7 by hailing on VHF radio channel 16 or by calling 911. The organization receives no governmental monetary support and depends solely on donations and the proceeds of the Annual Reedville Fishing Derby to fund their operation for the year. Visit the Smith Point Sea Rescue Web site at http://www.smithpointsearescue.com .
