Coast Guard rescues 2 from capsized sailboat

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard rescued two people after their sailboat capsized Sunday near Washington Sailing Marina in Alexandria, Virginia.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore received a report from Coast Guard Station Washington, D.C., stating they heard a mayday call over the radio from a person aboard a capsized sailboat.

A boat crew aboard a 29-foot Response Boat-Small was already on the water training and diverted to respond.

Two people were pulled from the water and taken to Washington Sailing Marina.

No injuries were reported.

“When water temperatures are cold, you lose dexterity and the ability to function quicker than people realize,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Thomas Corcoran, the coxswain aboard the 29-foot Response Boat-Small. “The boaters were wearing their lifejackets, and that greatly increased their chances to survive. Had they not been wearing their lifejackets, this case could have had a different ending.”