On the evening of July 4, 2024, a significant rescue operation took place on the Potomac River near Piscataway Creek following a distress call made at approximately 10:54 p.m. A boat carrying seven individuals struck an unlit buoy and began taking on water rapidly, necessitating immediate assistance.
The distress call, broadcast over VHF Marine radio and relayed to Public Safety Communications, initiated a swift response from multiple regional emergency units. The distressed vessel soon disabled, its condition critical as water continued to pour in.
A nearby Good Samaritan vessel attempted to assist the stricken boat but became entangled in its lines, resulting in both vessels becoming immobilized. This secondary vessel had four people on board, including two adults and two children, further complicating the situation.
Multi-Agency Response
The incident prompted a coordinated response from several regional assets. 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 all deployed resources to locate and rescue the individuals in distress.
Providing critical air support, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department's Falcon 1 helicopter utilized newly installed FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) technology to quickly locate the vessel in distress. This advanced technology enabled the Falcon 1 crew to identify the exact location of the boat and direct the responding marine units to the scene effectively.
Successful Rescue
With the assistance of the Falcon 1 helicopter, a private tow boat was able to reach the distressed vessel and tow it to a local marina. Meanwhile, the Fairfax County Police Marine Unit transported the seven passengers from the sinking boat to safety on shore.
The Prince George's County Police Department Marine Unit successfully towed the Good Samaritan vessel, along with its four passengers, ensuring that everyone involved in the incident was brought to safety without further harm.
Commendable Efforts
The successful resolution of this potentially tragic situation highlights the exceptional coordination, dedication, and professionalism of all the officers and units involved. Their swift and effective response ensured the safety of all eleven individuals, demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting the community and the region's waterways.
"We are immensely proud of the efforts and unwavering dedication of all officers involved in this operation," a representative from the Prince George's County Police Department stated. "Their quick and effective response ensured the safety of everyone involved, exemplifying their commitment to community safety and coordination in emergencies."
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers present on the water, particularly during night-time navigation, and underscores the importance of maintaining vigilant safety measures.
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