Flares aid rescue of eight in the Chesapeake Bay

13/04/2023

Flares played a key part in the rescue of eight crew after their yacht sank in the Chesapeake Bay, USA.

One day in April, Lancaster County informed Coast Guard Station Milford Haven that the Nauti Dream was taking on water.

The crew of the 50-foot Carver Yacht, which was believed to be near Buoy 62 in the Chesapeake Bay, hailed the Coast Guard on VHF-FM channel 16.

Local police dispatched Smith Point Sea Rescue from Crockrell’s Creek. While en route, the responders received notification that the boat sank and the eight people were now in the water.

Coast Guard Station Milford Haven launched a 29-foot response boat. It also established communications with the eight people in the water via handheld radio.

The mariners shot off flares and Smith Point Sea Rescue picked up all eight people in the water. They were taken to Ingram Bay Marina where medical checks were carried out. Two mariners were treated for hypothermia, and all eight were released in stable condition.

The Chesapeake Bay, Search and rescue mission coordinator, Lt. Joe Bannon, says, “The maritime environment is inherently dangerous, which is compounded with severe weather and cold water temperatures.

“This case highlights the importance of having necessary gear and training to survive until help arrives. The fact that they were wearing lifejackets, had a handheld radio, and were able to signal responding craft with flares ensured these mariners were able to go home to their friends and families.”

The image is a U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo by Smith Point Sea Rescue.