(DPS) — In March 2023, the Department of Public Safety Boating Safety Unit responded to two separate distressed boat calls and one capsized boat.
On March 20, 2023, at about 9:41 a.m., DPS 911 dispatch received a call via cellphone of a reported distressed boat between Saipan and Tinian.
At about 9:48 a.m., boating officers launched the Impact response boat out of Smiling Cove and proceeded to respond.
At about 9:59 a.m., responding officers located the distressed boat, checked on the conditions of occupants, and started to tow the boat back to Smiling Cove Marina.
Officers learned that the boat operator could not get the boat engine to start after several attempts. A call was then immediately made to 911 for assistance.
On March 26, 2023, at about 1:08 p.m., DPS 911 dispatch received a call via cellphone of a reported capsized vessel outside the Managaha reef line. The caller stated that two occupants were onboard the boat.
At about 1:15 p.m., DPS boating safety launched a jet boat out of Smiling Cove Marina and proceeded to respond.
At about 1:28 p.m., officers arrived at the location of the capsized boat and secured the two occupants. Boating safety officers proceeded to bail water out of the vessel.
At about 2:09 p.m., officers towed the boat back to Smiling Cove Marina.
DPS learned that the two occupants were open-water fishing north of Managaha when a huge wave struck them and caused the boat to capsize.
On March 29, 2023, at about 12:10 p.m., DPS Boating Safety received a call from a reported distressed vessel west of Tinian.
At about 12:13 p.m., DPS boating safety launched the Impact response boat and proceeded to the location of the distressed boat.
At about 12:42 p.m., officers arrived and linked with the distressed boat. All occupants were in good condition. Officers secured and towed them back to Smiling Cove Marina.
At about 2:49 p.m., the officers and the boat arrived at the marina.
DPS learned that the boat captain could not get the engine to start after several attempts. The boat captain was issued a citation for failing to have complete safety equipment.
