BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Maryland Natural Resources Police and Anne Arundel County Fire assisted a 64-year-old boater aboard a 22-foot sailboat at the mouth of the Severn River Saturday.
A crewmember aboard the sailboat Joe Joe Bean contacted watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore’s command center via VHF channel 16 and Rescue 21 at approximately noon requesting a medevac for an injured crewmember suffering from a head, neck and back injury.
Sector Baltimore watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and called watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Annapolis to assist.
A crew aboard a 25-foot Response Boat – Small was launched, and crews from MNRP, Anne Arundel County Fire and the Coast Guard Auxiliary responded to the call.
When on scene, the Coast Guard coxswain from the RBS boarded the sailboat to assess the situation.
“I originally had my crewman, Seaman Shea Kvintus, board the sailing vessel,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Whitlow, the coxswain aboard the RBS. “Crewmembers are taught basic first aid, and based on what he was relaying to me, it was clear the man needed more advanced medical care. At that point, I made the decision to take over with the aid.”
Whitlow carries a basic Emergency Medical Technician certification.
Whitlow remained aboard the sailboat, caring for the injured man, while the crew from MNRP towed the sailboat toward land.
Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary placed the RBS in side tow so Whitlow could leave his post as coxswain and board the sailing vessel.
“A crew from Anne Arundel Fire arrived on scene and ended up taking over,” said Whitlow. “I got transferred to the fireboat, and they sent their paramedic over with a backboard. Fire also took over the tow of the sailboat.”
