A Canadian sailor and his two dogs made an unplanned stop in Ocean City in the early hours of Saturday morning (Oct. 24).
The man reportedly experienced engine trouble and his sailboat drifted onto the beach at Seaspray Road, where the boat was stranded at low tide.
The Ocean City Fire Department was dispatched at 1:39 a.m. for a “water rescue.” A deputy chief, two engines, an ambulance and a rescue boat responded and found the 33-foot sailboat in the surf approximately 150 feet from the shore.
Firefighters entered the surf and were able to assist the boat owner to shore and retrieve his two dogs. All were reported in good condition.
Shamrock Towing was also at the scene. Firefighters were able to bring a tow line from Shamrock Towing to the sailboat and attach it to the bow. The boat remained grounded Saturday morning.
There were no injuries and the fire department assisted the operator of the vessel in finding a place to stay that accomodated his pets and they provided clothing while his boat is being repaired.
In April, a sailboat beached twice in 12 hours then a week later sent out a Mayday call in its first day on the water after a week of repairs.
