Stranded Boater Rescued from Somerset County Waters in Multi-Agency Response

Somerset County, MD - A 72-year-old man is safe after being stranded on the water Friday afternoon in a situation that required the coordinated effort of three separate agencies to resolve.

At approximately 12:08 p.m. on April 17, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers responded to a call for help from a disabled boater in the Deal Island Wildlife Management Area, near Fishing Creek in Somerset County. The man had run aground in a jon boat and was unable to free himself.

NRP officers, along with Somerset County Emergency Medical Services personnel, deployed a patrol vessel to the scene. They located the boater within 45 minutes of receiving the call.

When responders reached the man, they discovered a medical concern that changed the urgency of the situation. The 72-year-old was dependent on supplemental oxygen and had completely run out of his supply.

Because of this, the Maryland State Police Aviation Command was called in to assist. The man was airlifted to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury for evaluation as a precaution.

All three agencies - NRP, Somerset County EMS, and Maryland State Police Aviation - worked together to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. Officials credited the swift, coordinated response for the positive outcome.

Incidents like this serve as a reminder of how quickly conditions on the water can become serious, especially for boaters with medical needs. Being prepared and knowing how to call for help can make all the difference.

Boaters who find themselves in an emergency on the water should contact help immediately. If you have a VHF radio, call on channel 16. If you are within cell phone range, dial 911.