Rocks Ahead: The Jolt That Saved Two

A Grounding on the Potomac Teaches the Power of Calm Under Pressure

The Unexpected Stop

If you've ever been boating, you know that sickening jolt when the bottom of your boat meets something hard. That's exactly what happened to two people on a 36-foot vessel near St. Catherine’s Island on the Potomac River. They hit rocks, and their trip came to a sudden, terrifying stop.

The good news? They walked away uninjured, and their story is a masterclass in handling a crisis correctly.

1. The First, Best Move
The instant they struck, the boaters immediately contacted authorities. This is crucial. It puts rescue teams on notice, right away.

Then, they stayed calm enough to assess the situation: they confirmed they were not taking on water and didn't need medical help. This clear, honest communication was vital. It let the local Fire Department know they were dealing with a salvage problem, not a panicked rescue. They used Boat 5 to find them quickly, but they didn't have to rush to save lives.

2. The Navigation Lesson
Running aground on rocks points straight to one failure: navigation.

Know Your Area: Charts, whether on a screen or on paper, must be open and monitored. Rocks and shallow spots around islands aren't secret; they're mapped hazards.

Slow Down: When you get near shore, slow your speed. It gives your depth finder time to warn you and gives you time to react before you hit.

3. Don't Go It Alone
The fire department gave them contact info for a towing service. This is the biggest takeaway for the boat itself: Never try to pull your boat off rocks yourself.

Trying to power off or use ropes can shred your propeller and tear a bigger hole in the hull. When you hit something hard, the problem belongs to a professional salvage company. Have that towing membership ready—it’s cheaper than sinking.

This crew's quick call and calm assessment saved them from a bad situation becoming a disaster.

Want to read about more close calls?  Click here to see our weekly accident report and gain access to the archives.