Boaters spend night stranded after low tide grounds skiff in bay

The U.S. Coast Guard came to the rescue of three stranded boaters Wednesday after low tide grounded their skiff and forced them to spend the night outside, officials say.

The boaters became stuck near Egg Island Point in the Delaware River and notified the Coast Guard Tuesday evening, saying they were going to wait until the next high tide to move their boat, according to a Coast Guard release.

But when high tide came on Wednesday morning, the vessel remained trapped.

That’s when the Coast Guard launched an MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter from Coast Guard Station Atlantic City to rescue the crew.

The boaters were hoisted aboard the helicopter and transported ashore. No injuries were reported.

“It’s important for boaters to be familiar with the tides and currents in the area they’re boating,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Steve Setnicky, a watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “When waters recede, boaters can find themselves in trouble, so it’s important they have operational communication devices, the right gear for the weather and they file a float plan with a friend or loved one in the event they don’t come back when planned.”