Antioch Dispatchers Rescue Boater on Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, Antioch dispatcher Autumn Turnage received a distress call from a man whose boat had sunk near Sherman Island, prompting an intense hour-long rescue operation. With the support of fellow dispatcher Taylor Hubbard, Turnage provided critical GPS coordinates and coordinated communications among multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard, to locate and rescue the stranded man. Throughout the call, Turnage reassured the caller, remaining on the line even after transferring him to the Coast Guard, who successfully rescued him at 12:02 a.m. on Christmas morning. The Antioch Police Department praised the dispatchers' dedication and teamwork, highlighting their professionalism in a life-threatening situation. Meanwhile, on Christmas Day, volunteers from Portsmouth Lifeboat Station responded to a critically ill man on a yacht in Fareham Creek, showcasing the commitment of emergency services during the holiday season. Both incidents reflect the courage and selflessness of emergency responders who prioritize saving lives over personal celebrations.