Northern Neck News

Northern Neck News

Apr 14, 2009

Smith Point Sea Rescue expands range

With the U.S. Coast Guard spending most of its efforts looking out for terrorists, boaters on Chesapeake Bay are pretty much on their own if they run into trouble. The exception is if they are in range of Smith Point Sea Rescue, an all-volunteer force that comes to the rescue of boaters in distress all year round.

Fortunately for boaters, the group has just expanded its coverage range. One of the group's three vessels, Rescue III, has been repositioned to the Coan River, giving Maryland and Virginia boaters on the Lower Potomac a reliable organization to call on when in trouble.

"Over the winter Rescue III, a 26-foot Mako, was modified for year round use and has been outfitted with the latest in marine electronics to locate and assist the mariner in trouble," said Andy Kauders, Smith Point Sea Rescue's president. "Rescue III carries extra fuel, battery pack, de-watering pump, and 500 feet of tow/recovery line."

As has been the case for over 30 years all services provided by Smith Point Sea Rescue are free.

Smith Point Sea Rescue is a totally volunteer rescue unit which serves boaters from Ragged Point to the mouth of the Potomac River, south to the Rappahannock River and across to the eastern shore. Smith Point Sea Rescue can be reached 24/7 by calling on channel 16 or by calling 911. The organization receives no government monetary support and depends solely on the proceeds of Annual Reedville Fishing Derby and donations to fund their operation for the year.