U.S. Coast Guard Station Atlantic City rescued four people in two searches near Absecon Inlet within 2½ hours Saturday.
In one incident, two girls were swept out to sea on surfboards. The other involved two adult males in distress on inner-tubes.
“We’re always standing by 24/7 ready to go,” U.S. Coast Guard Station Atlantic City Commanding Officer Lt. Matthew Asire said. “Whether that’s a quick 5-minute case right around the corner or we’re heading offshore for a tow in heavy weather, no matter what, we’re standing by ready to go.”
Watchstanders from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a report from Brigantine police at about 11:47 a.m., saying an 11- and 14-year-old girl were being swept out into Absecon Inlet on surfboards.
An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast Notice was issued to mariners and diverted nearby Coast Guard Station Atlantic City’s 29-foot Response Boat-Small II reservist crew in response.
The crew safely recovered the two girls just before noon, and returned them to Station Atlantic City and local emergency management services.
Delaware Bay watchstanders received another report from the Brigantine police at 2:03 p.m., stating two men were in distress on inner tubes along Absecon Inlet.
An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast Notice was issued, and an additional active duty Coast Guard Station Atlantic City 29-foot Response Boat-Small II crew was deployed.
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 miles-per-hour and seas up to 4 feet.
