HORNTOWN, Va. – The Coast Guard and Virginia Marine Resource Commission rescued a woman and a boy from a jet-ski early Sunday morning in Horntown Bay near Chincoteague.
The Coast Guard Sector Virginia’s Command Center received a report that a 57-year-old woman and a 3-year-old boy went missing at 1:50 a.m.
Crews began to search for the missing persons who were last seen using a jet ski. The crew from the helicopter located the jet ski with the woman and child still onboard and directed crews to the scene where the people were transferred back to shore and evaluated by local EMS.
Though the rescue was successful, boaters are reminded that the best way to get help if danger arises on the water is to have an effective form of communication.
Marine radios that can broadcast and receive transmissions over VHF-FM CH-16 are the best way to let the Coast Guard and other mariners know you’re in trouble.
Other than ensuring reliable communications, officials say boaters should always wear Coast Guard approved life jackets, be familiar with the area they’re boating in, take a boating safety course, file a float plan so someone on shore knows where you’re going and when you’ll be back, and never operate a boat under the influence.
“With the upcoming 4th of July weekend, people should check over their gear and plan for the weather,” said Petty Officer First Class James Morrison, a watchstander at Sector Virginia’s Command Center. “People should have fun and enjoy the water, but being safe should be everyone’s number one priority.”
