U.S. Coast Guard Station Atlantic City responded to two search and rescue cases within two-and-a-half hours near Absecon Inlet, New Jersey, Saturday.
Four people were saved in two separate cases. One involved two girls who were swept out to sea on surfboards and the other which involved two adult males in distress on inner-tubes.
“We’re always standing by 24/7 ready to go,” said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Matthew Asire, commanding officer, Coast Guard Station Atlantic City. “Whether that’s a quick five minute case right around the corner or we’re heading off shore for a tow in heavy weather – no matter what we’re standing by ready to go.”
At approximately 11:47 a.m., watchstanders from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware-Bay received a report from Brigantine Police Department stating two young girls, ages 11 and 14, were being swept out to Absecon Inlet on surfboards.
Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast Notice to mariners and diverted nearby Coast Guard Station Atlantic City 29-foot Response Boat-Small II reservist crew in response.
The crew safely recovered the two girls at approximately 11:55 a.m. and returned them to Station Atlantic City and local emergency management services.
At approximately 2:03 p.m., watchstanders from Sector Delaware-Bay received another report from the Brigantine Police Department stating two males were in distress along Absecon Inlet on two inter-tubes.
Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast Notice and deployed an additional active-duty Coast Guard Station Atlantic City 29-foot Response Boat-Small II crew.
The crew safely recovered the two men at approximately 2:10 p.m. and transported them back to Brigantine Cove.
The weather on scene was winds of 12 mph and seas up to 4 feet.