U.S. Coast Guard Thanks Sea Tow A.C. For Answering CallAugust 20, 1997 Dear Mr. (Capt.) McLaughlin, On August 20, 1997 a severe weather system passed through the Atlantic City area dropping a record 13" of rain in just 24 hours. In addition to the rains and flooding, the system brought sustained winds of over 40 knots with gusts of over 50 knots. In the late evening hours during the heighth of the storm, USCG Station Atlantic City was notified of three disoriented boaters in the ICW near buoy 134 in Great Bay. The boaters requested your assistance and you and your mate Mark Schrenk responded onboard your salvage vessel. A Coast Guard unit was also dispatched and monitored the situation. Two of the boats managed to anchor but the third, which had children aboard, became aground in the marsh. As the situation worsened, the disabled boaters began to panic only adding to the chaotic atmosphere. Your calm demeanor was reassuring to the passengers as you expertly navigated your vessel through narrow cuts and during periods of high winds, driving rains and low visibility. You were able to successfully locate and remove the passengers from the grounded vessel. Your efforts most certainly stabilized this tenuous situation and prevented it from deteriorating into a life and death situation. Enduring a storm on the sea can be a harrowing event for any sailor. We appreciate and respect that you are also on the water with us providing assistance to boaters. Sincerely, R.W. Condit Lieutenant, U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer JOIN NOW!Our Service Area About Us Home Sea Tow Advantage Club Mustang Survival Apparel Events Marina List Weather & Tides Tide Runner Marine Inc. North Tides Marine Links |