COAST GUARD RESCUES 4 PEOPLE, ASSISTS WITH RECOVERY OF 15 OVERTURNED SAILBOATS NEAR ANNAPOLIS, MD.

BALTIMORE — Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region rescued four people from the water and assisted with the recovery of 15 overturned sailboats in the Severn River near Annapolis Sunday.

Watchstanders at Sector M-NCR received a report from the event manager of Severn Sailing Association stating 22 people had fallen into the water off of 15 small sailboats during a race at approximately 2:20 p.m.

Sector M-NCR issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew from Coast Guard Station Annapolis. Maryland State Police, Anne Arundel County Fire Rescue and Maryland Natural Resources Police also launched to assist.

Once on scene, the 45-foot RBM boat crew rescued four people from the water.

Once all people in the water were rescued and accounted for, the 45-foot RBM boat crew began assisting Anne Arundel County Fire Rescue and Severn Sailing Association by recovering overturned sailboats.

Wind speeds at the time of the race were sustained at 24 knots with gusts up to 30 knots.

The Coast Guard urges mariners to exercise caution during forecasted heavy weather.

“The water temperature in the Chesapeake Bay today was 42 degrees, an extremely dangerous temperature for people in the water," said Lt. Cmdr. Sara Wallace, chief of response at Sector Maryland-NCR. "If all 22 people participating in the race weren't wearing a personal floatation device along with a wet or dry suit, we may have had a different outcome today. Thanks to the mariners and the quick reaction and communication among agencies, all 22 people were rescued without serious injury."