Four rescued from distressed vessel on Lake Drummond in Chesapeake
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Two adults and two children were rescued from a distressed vessel in Chesapeake on Saturday evening.
The Chesapeake Fire Department responded to a report of a distressed vessel on Lake Drummond around 7:40 p.m. following a 911 call indicating the boat was taking on water.
Despite limited cell coverage in the area, emergency dispatchers determined that the vessel was in trouble. The boaters, consisting of two adults and two children, reported no injuries but expressed growing concern as nightfall approached.
In response, the fire department deployed three rescue boats. One was staged at the Dismal Swamp Canal while the other two were launched into the feeder ditch for direct access to Lake Drummond.
While the rescue boats were en route, the distressed vessel was able to return safely to the pier on the Suffolk side of Lake Drummond. All the boaters made it back to shore unharmed.
In light of the incident, Chesapeake firefighters want to remind the public of the importance of bringing reliable communication devices and appropriate safety lighting when in remote areas. Fortunately, the family involved was able to contact emergency dispatch using a cellphone, which allowed for a timely and coordinated response.
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