Coast Guard Helps 2 Boaters Stranded On Island In Chesapeake Bay

SALISBURY, MD — Two boaters who encountered rough weather Saturday night beached their 17-foot vessel on an uninhabited island in Chesapeake Bay to wait for help from the Coast Guard. Authorities said an aircrew rescued the two men stranded on Adam Island this morning.

The men intentionally ran their boat aground on the marshy island off the Eastern Shore after running into foul weather Saturday night. One of the boaters' fathers notified watchstanders in the Sector Maryland-National Capital Region’s command center at 9:45 a.m. Sunday that the two men were still stranded and soaking wet on the island.

An already-airborne MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, diverted from a training flight to assist the duo. The crew landed on Adam Island, picked up the two men and took them to Salisbury Regional Airport in Salisbury.

The boaters are scheduled to retrieve their vessel as soon as possible.

"Adverse weather conditions can suddenly emerge and impact anyone's underway voyage at any time," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Terrence Young, operations unit controller for the case, in a news release. "That's why it's vital to continuously check weather forecasts in your area and prepare for the worst-case scenario by bringing appropriate safety gear and dressing for harsh conditions."

PHOTO: A 17-foot recreational fishing vessel sits aground on Adam Island in the Chesapeake Bay, April 29. Two men purposely grounded the vessel the previous evening when they encountered inclement weather, then called the Coast Guard for help getting off the island. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kensuke Caldwell/Released)