Rescue Boat Lost Power In Susquehanna, Medevac Responded: SHCO

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — A Maryland State Police helicopter had to assist after a rescue boat lost power during an extended water-based operation near Havre de Grace Friday night, officials said.

Crews were called to the Susquehanna Flats on the Chesapeake Bay around 6 p.m. due to a report of a vessel in distress.

Temperatures in the bay were about 50 degrees Friday evening, based on data reported to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Wind warnings were in effect on the Tydings and Hatem bridges, meaning gusts of 30 to 39 mph had been reported.

Three people on the boat told first responders their vessel ran aground due to low tide, according to the hose company. They were suited up in cold-water gear and said they were uninjured, the Susquehanna Hose Company reported at 6:45 p.m.

Because of the water's depth, fire officials said more zodiac boats were called to the scene.

After an extended operation on the water in the dark facing the strong winds and rough conditions, the hose company said after 10 p.m. that its zodiac boat lost power.

A helicopter from Maryland State Police was called and helped located the zodiac/swift water boat, according to the Susquehanna Hose Company. After 10 p.m., officials said the stranded boaters who had been rescued and fire crews were being hoisted into the medevac and would be taken to land for an evaluation by medical personnel.

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