STATE POLICE HELICOPTER RESCUES TWO FROM POTOMAC RIVER

(Sandy Hook, Maryland) Two experienced kayakers experienced trouble and had to be rescued from the Potomac River Sunday, November 9, 2014, just north of the Rt. 340 Bridge in Sandy Hook, Maryland. Fire and rescue units from both Frederick and Washington counties responded with Maryland State Police helicopter, Trooper 3, to their call for assistance just before 3:00 p.m. yesterday.

Due to the cold water and air temperatures, fire department rescuers coordinated with the crew of Trooper 3 to hoist the victims to safety. At the time of the rescue, water temperatures were reported to be about 63 degrees, with an air temperature of 56 degrees. Conditions caused a risk of hypothermia for the victims.

The crew of Trooper 3 lowered a rescue basket down to the kayakers, who were able to climb into the rescue basket. The victims were flown to a waiting ambulance for further evaluation. The rescue location was 70 to 80 yards off the Maryland shore north of the Rt. 340 Bridge.

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command has served Maryland citizens since 1970 and operates a fleet of ten helicopters from seven bases throughout Maryland on a 24/7/365 basis. Missions include medevac, law enforcement, search & rescue, homeland security, and disaster assessment. The success of rescues performed by the Aviation Command depends a great deal on the cooperative effort of local fire, rescue, EMS, and law enforcement agencies.