Last Saturday, the Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) executed a dramatic aerial rescue for an overturned boat in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. According to the official Maryland State Police report, the incident happened when fire and rescue teams were alerted to three individuals stranded some 300 yards from shore.
The Trooper 7 helicopter crew, stationed in California, Maryland, self-launched after they caught the dispatch on their radios. A request was then submitted by the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department to perform an aerial hoist rescue due to the delayed arrival of the nearest fireboat. Successfully, Trooper 7 managed to lift one victim to safety, while a subsequent Calvert County fireboat rescued the remaining two individuals from the water. "Trooper 7 landed next to the command post and transferred the victim to the awaiting ambulance and family," stated in the briefing posted on the Maryland State Police's news page.
Remarkably, no hospitalization was required for the rescued victim. The MSPAC utilizes the sophisticated Augusta Westland AW-139 helicopters, designed for such complex rescue operations. "Each aircraft provides round-the-clock coverage to Maryland residents and visitors," highlighted the Maryland State Police in discussing their fleet capabilities and their dedication to saving lives and providing critical support in the face of any adversity.
