POMONA, N.J. – The Coast Guard and Smyrna, Del., Fire Dept. rescued four boaters today who were aboard a 14-foot skiff that broke down near Smyrna.
Family members contacted the Coast Guard at about 10:52 p.m. Sunday when the four individuals failed to return home from a boating trip.
A rescue helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City was on a training mission in the area and diverted to search for the boaters.
While searching, the air crew spotted a distress flare and located the four boaters at about 11:52 p.m.
With no medical emergencies, the Coast Guard rescue crew provided light and guided a boat crew from the Smyrna Fire Dept. to the boater’s position.
The boat crew took all four boaters aboard and towed their disabled boat.
The Coast Guard was alerted by family members when the boaters failed to return from their trip. It is encouraged everyone who plans to go out on the water file a float plan. A float plan provides the Coast Guard with pertinent information in the event of an emergency. To learn more about float plans, please click here, or visit www.FloatPlanCentral.org.
For more boating safety tips, visit http://www.uscgboating.org/
