On 3/25/2023, I Corporal, heard a call dispatched in reference to a water rescue in the Brunswick River.  I arrived on scene at Liberty Ship Park and learned that a 22’ Key West was taking on water and sinking in the Brunswick River.  We did not have an exact location of the vessel, just that it was in the Brunswick River.  U.S. Coast Guard was launching a vessel from the Brunswick Office about the same time I arrived on scene.  The operator of the boat was able to see the Red ATON #26, I relayed that information to Coast Guard, and they responded to the area.  Coast Guard was able to retrieve both vessel occupants from the water and bring them back to the Brunswick Office unharmed.  The weather was inclement, with extremely high winds, hard rain and hail.  

	Operator told me he was fishing in front of Quarantine Island waiting on the inclement weather to the north to move on.  The storm started to build and move towards him, the wind started picking up.  It started to rain and thunder and lightning.  Heavy winds accompanied hail and heavy rains.  Operator said he went to the bow of his boat to get the trolling motor up and by the time he made it back to the helm, it was raining so hard he couldn’t see anything.  He attempted to turn and put the bow into the wind and waves.  The wind blew so hard it caused the boat to lean to the side and take on water.  The boat leaned so fast that his passenger fell and slid from one side of the boat to the other before the boat capsized and flipped over.  
	
	They were able to hold onto the capsized boat until the US Coast Guard arrived and retrieved them from the water.  Once at the Region Office I was able to interview them and get a statement on video.  I gave Operator a copy of the report number as well as my contact information.  Tow Boat US was able to respond and correct the vessel and get it on the trailer.

Brunswick River
BRUNSWICK                     