A weekend outing on the Potomac turned tense on Saturday when a 35-foot boat started taking on water near Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in southwest D.C., leaving 15 people in need of a quick rescue.
D.C. firefighters and rescue crews rushed to the scene, deploying fireboats and inflatable craft to reach the vessel and shuttle everyone off before it went under. Officials said all 15 people were taken to shore, and medics evaluated at least one person for injuries.
According to WUSA9, responders found the 35-foot boat near the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling shoreline and used D.C. fireboats to move passengers to safety. Multiple fire and rescue units coordinated the transfer, the outlet reported, and everyone aboard was brought ashore. At least one person received on-scene medical attention, though authorities did not immediately describe the nature of the injuries.
Holiday weekend and boating safety
With Memorial Day weekend signaling the unofficial kickoff to summer boating season, the close call is a timely reminder that the basics still matter.
The U.S. Coast Guard advises that wearing Coast Guard-approved life jackets, skipping alcohol while operating a vessel and keeping essential safety gear on board can significantly cut the risk of drownings. Boaters are also urged to check pumps and radios and confirm passenger counts before leaving the dock.
Potomac risks and past rescues
The Potomac has seen its share of multi-person rescues in recent years, from sudden surges trapping people on rocks to swimmers needing help getting back to shore.
The Washington Post documented a June 2020 incident in which D.C. crews rescued 12 people after rapidly rising water cut them off from land. Local authorities often point to those kinds of operations when urging extra caution on crowded holiday weekends.
Investigators were working to determine what caused Saturday’s vessel to take on water, according to WUSA9. For a seasonal safety checklist and more detailed tips, boaters can visit the U.S. Coast Guard boating site or consult D.C. Fire and EMS for local advisories.
