Coast Guard boat crew medevacs man near Ocean City Inlet, Md.

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard medevaced a man who was reportedly suffering from a heart attack on a charter boat near Ocean City Inlet, Maryland Wednesday morning.

Watchstanders at Station Ocean City received a distress call via VHF-FM radio Channel 16 at 9:40 a.m. from a person aboard the Judith M charter boat. The person reported that a man was suffering from chest pains and was being assisted by a nurse onboard. A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from Station Ocean City launched to assist.

Once on scene, the Coast Guard crew transferred the man to the Motor Life Boat and transported him to Station Ocean City to meet an awaiting ambulance.

“Channel 16 can be heard by anyone nearby, and that is how we were able to communicate and make it on scene,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Zackary Schultz, coxswain during the case. “Understanding how your VHF radio works and using it in times of distress can save your life and get help to you as soon as possible.”