The Coast Guard rescued a man and four children who were stranded on a boat in the Chesapeake Bay after a minor engine fire Thursday.
Jeff Overstreet radioed the Coast Guard about 2 p.m. Thursday after immediately shutting off the engine of his 26-foot boat near Gibson Island, north of the Bay Bridge, according to the Coast Guard.
The children were Overstreet's sons, ages 12 and 16, and two of their friends.
"We were just cruising along, and all of a sudden my engine started losing power," said Overstreet, a stay-at-home father from Elkridge. "Smoke was everywhere."
A utility boat crew from the Curtis Bay Coast Guard station arrived 30 minutes later, followed by a volunteer Riviera Beach Fire Department boat crew.
The boaters were taken aboard the Coast Guard vessel while firemen inspected their craft. Once their boat was determined to be safe, Overstreet and the children were permitted to ride in it as the Coast Guard towed it to Bodkin Creek Marina in Pasadena.
According to the Coast Guard, Overstreet followed safety procedures, using a marine-band radio, shutting off the engine and fuel source, and moving the children to the front of the boat. When the Coast Guard arrived, the passengers were calm and none were injured, the Coast Guard said.
"I've had a boat all my life, and I understand the importance of boating safety," Overstreet said. "And my kids understand the importance of boating safety, too."
