Coast Guard’s Busy Season Underway
The U.S. Coast Guard crew at Atlantic City is gearing up for a bustling season, managing search and rescue operations over a wide area, from Long Island Sound all the way to Chesapeake Bay, as they shared in an exclusive interview.
CMDR mentioned that the season had a slow start, but things have picked up recently. Their coverage stretches over key locations like New York City, the Jersey Shore, and the Long Island coastline.
According to Slusher, the chilly spring months kept many recreational sailors off the water until after the holiday weekend. “At this time of year, a lot of people are sharing the same spaces,” he noted, referring to the increase in boat accidents, especially when jet ski usage is high.
The dramatic rescue operations involve the use of large baskets and slings that help safely lift people from the water. The crew often finds themselves diverting from their main missions to assist in emergencies.
During Fleet Week in May, for example, what began as practice demonstrations unexpectedly transformed into actual search and rescue missions.
Last year, while training on a Saturday morning, the crew noticed someone in distress on the water. “We’ve seen people cling to boats or jet skis before,” Smith recalled, citing a remarkable rescue where they saved two sailors after their ship capsized off Staten Island, which resulted in three fatalities.
The air base also played a significant role during the Baltimore Bridge disaster in March. Thrasher remarked, “It’s hard to match the feeling of saving lives—it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Aside from routine rescues, the crew is tasked with ensuring airspace security during presidential trips and major events, like the UN Summit. In winter, they often help duck hunters who find themselves in trouble on the water.
Smith mentioned an unusual surge in jet ski incidents recently. Just last week, they assisted two jet skiers trapped in the marshes of South Jersey. Slusher remembered a notably messy situation from 2016, where a teen joyriding on stolen jet skis created quite the muddy disaster.
However, prank calls are also part of the job. These can happen several times a week, yet every call is treated as a serious emergency, which Smith admitted can be frustrating.
Hunter Ruddell, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, discussed his early challenges in the service, recalling a rescue operation in October where he helped a seasick boater in Long Island Sound. “I didn’t even know how to drive the boat,” he admitted, laughing about the experience.
About a month later, Ruddell and his team rescued two elderly individuals and their dogs after they became stranded in a strong tide in Chesapeake Bay. “They were caught at low tide, just not following the right path,” he explained.
Ultimately, Ruddell emphasized the unpredictable nature of rescue operations. “You can’t really train for these situations. You have to be adaptable and ready to face whatever comes your way,” he concluded.
