The four boat occupants included three males, and one female. The guys had left the female on the boat. Unfortunately, the boat was not anchored or tied off to the structure. The boat drifted away, and because of approaching darkness, the female lost contact with the male swimmers. To make matters even worse, the female did not know how to operate the boat. She made the smart decision and called 9-1-1 for assistance. She could not provide a location of the “large structure”, or even her own position.

As Kent Dispatch was the 9-1-1 answering center, they kept the caller on the line and using technology available to them, began the process of pinpointing her location. That technology is referred to as “Rapid SOS”, which employs GPS tracking. This technology can read the GPS location of the phone, transmit it to the 9-1-1 Center, where designated Rapid SOS equipment can plot it on a map. Unfortunately, sometimes the coordinates provided are not precise. However, they do narrow down the search area.

A “Coastal Water Rescue” is a complex operation, with many moving parts. In addition to land-based units, this incident included four marine units, and Maryland State Police Aviation. The marine units included Boat 7 (Rock Hall VFC), Boat 8 (Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad), Queen Annes Fire Boat 1 (Kent Island VFC), and Queen Annes Fire Boat 2 (Grasonville VFC). Once Kent 9-1-1, using Rapid SOS, had narrowed down the female’s location that information was passed to searchers. Using that information, Queen Annes Fire Boat 1 located the drifting boat containing the female. Once they made contact, she was interviewed and was able to provide a better sense of where her companions might be.

Very soon afterwards, Trooper 1 (Maryland State Police Aviation) arrived over the search area. Using technology carried by the aircraft, Trooper 1 quickly located the three missing male swimmers. They were safely sitting atop the “large structure” they had been jumping from. Trooper 1 directed Queen Annes Fire Boat 2 to their location, where they were safely removed to the fire boat. Fire Boat 2 than transported them to rendezvous with Fire Boat 1, their errant companion, and the runaway boat.

After some discussion about the nature of the “large structure” involved with this incident, we determined it is an “Aid to Navigation”, marking the shipping channel. It is like the one depicted in the photograph, although this is NOT the one involved. This photo is a stock image from the web. We’re pretty sure recreational swimming from these structures is not allowed, so there may be legal consequences involved for these swimmers.

The Chestertown VFC responded with Rescue-Engine 6 and reported to Bayside Public Landing boat ramp, where Kent County marine units launched and recovered. This is also a part of the same public landing known locally as “The Bulkhead”, at the end of Caroline Street, on the Rock Hall Harbor. We provided additional manpower and lighting for night operations.

It should be noted, this incident was handled after dark, an extremely challenging time to travel on the Chesapeake Bay, even on nearby rivers. There are no visual landmarks to triangulate off. The emergency boat operators must be very experienced, relying on the visual aids (blinking buoys) that correspond to the nautical maps carried onboard their vessels. The use of radar is indispensable in the safe operation of these marine units. It’s amazing the acuity radar units have, able to detect small objects on the water, such as unlit “Can Buoys and Spar Buoys.

Interesting sidebar story. During this incident, early on... Kent Dispatch learned the Anne Arundel County Fire Department was running a similar search and rescue operation. Using a Public Safety Communication feature called "Interoperability", Kent contacted Anne Arundel by radio for the purpose of "comparing notes". It was determined both were working the same incident. As the actual area of operation was immediately adjacent to Kent County, Anne Arundel canceled their response, placing their units "in-service".

Companies and Agencies participating:

Rock Hall VFC

Chestertown VFC

Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad

Kent County EMS

Kent Island VFC

Grasonville VFC

Maryland Natural Resources Police

Maryland State Police Aviation

United States Coast Guard (dispatched but did not make a response)