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Four Boaters Rescued Near Sachem’s Head

Four people are recovering after their 20-foot boat capsized on Nov. 10.

According to Guilford Fire Department (GFD) officials, marine rescue units were dispatched to the area of Chimney Corner Reef, located just off Sachem’s Head, at approximately 1:15 p.m. on Nov. 10.

Guilford units responded on Marine 10 discovered a 20-foot vessel that had capsized leaving four people in the water, according to GFD Assistant Chief of Operations Michael Shove.

According to Shove, one person suffered a head injury and all victims were suffering from hypothermia, but none of the injuries were life threatening as of the day of the incident.

As personnel arrived, one firefighter donned a cold-water exposure suit and jumped in the water to grab one of the victims who had floated away and was semi-responsive, according to GFD officials. All other victims were rescued and transported back to the Town Dock where medic units took over patient care.

One person was transported to the hospital and treated, and the other three patients were released. All of the victims were wearing life jackets.

“We are very fortunate that all of the boaters were wearing life jackets, that obviously helped them out. They may not have survived without vests, especially the one who floated away. He was semi-conscious and he ended up not being able to hold onto the boat because there was a very strong outgoing tide,” Shove said. “His vest probably saved him. Very fortunate that everyone had life jackets on, as I said. That’s the difference between living and dying.”

While boating season is over, GFD officials said the department keeps Marine 10 manned year-round. Shove noted that response time to the incident was less than 10 minutes.

“This is such a dangerous time of year on the water,” said Shove. “The crews did an excellent job, and everything came together like clockwork. It went as well as it could have.”

According to Shove, it is believed the boat’s prop became entangled in a line secured to the bottom. When that scenario occurs, it does not take much of a wave for a smaller vessel like the one involved to capsize.

“From what I understand, they became entangled in something, and the boat got swamped. Most folks don’t realize that even a small sea state of two feet can look fine from shore, but when you get out there, it can really knock you around. But the crews did great. The response times were really good, so we were well-equipped. The crew on the boat did a great job, too,” said Shove. “It could not have been any better of a result. The people stayed on top of the boat, except for the one who was semi-conscious and drifted, but he had his jacket on and they were able to get him on board.”

Shove emphasized the importance of wearing life vests, regardless of boating experience or size or type of vessel.

“Wearing life jackets, especially in cold-water immersions like this will save your life. Life jackets save lives. The message may be continuous or repetitious, but this incident is a great example of why wearing a life vest is so critical,” Shove said.