Maryland State Police Rescue Three After Chesapeake Bay Boat Capsize

On July 19, the Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) conducted a helicopter rescue after a boat capsized about 300 yards offshore in Chesapeake Bay, leaving three individuals stranded in the water. Fire and rescue teams from St. Mary's County were dispatched at around 5 p.m., and due to the delayed arrival of the nearest fireboat, MSPAC's Trooper 7 crew was requested to perform an aerial hoist rescue. The helicopter successfully hoisted one victim to safety using a rescue basket, while a Calvert County fireboat rescued the other two victims under the helicopter crew's guidance. The rescued individual lifted by the helicopter did not require hospital transport and was safely transferred to an awaiting ambulance and reunited with family. MSPAC utilized an Augusta Westland AW-139 helicopter, specially equipped for such rescue missions, emphasizing the state's commitment to rapid and effective emergency response. The coordinated efforts between aerial and marine rescue teams ensured all three individuals were safely brought ashore without serious injury.