Dynamic coastal living tests first responders
We live in a naturally dynamic part of the world, most of us within just a few miles of where two of the planet’s great ecosystems, the North American continent and the Atlantic Ocean, interface. That makes this an interesting and fun place to live, and at times a dangerous place to live.
It’s rare that a week goes by without reminders that our waterways can quickly turn nightmarish.
While enjoying a refreshing swim in the ocean, we’re now informed that we have to keep our eyes out for a particularly virulent organism known as Portuguese Man of War that winds and currents blow into local waters. Unlike most jellyfish that swim beneath the surface, the Portuguese Man of War gets its name from the sailing ship-shaped air sack that rides on the surface of the water with long, stinging tentacles hanging below.
If history repeats, these men of war will come and go, but those who like to get into the ocean need to be careful in the meantime.The power of the ocean and its waves, winds and currents, however, will not pass. That’s why our coastal history is filled with lifesaving stations, lifeguard patrols and rescue vessels.
An incident on Monday afternoon this week, at the point of Cape Henlopen, serves as another reminder.
Delaware Bay currents, funneled by the point and the outer breakwater, meet the ocean in that area, creating turbulence that tests even the most seasoned boaters. In this case, a 17-foot vessel with seven people aboard took a wave over the bow. All aboard quickly found themselves in the water.
But they were fortunate in many respects. All were wearing life jackets. That kept them afloat while other boaters in the area came quickly to their aid and fished them out without injury. While this was happening, emergency responders were also dispatched with rescue vessels.
All’s well that ends well, but it’s still a blessing to know our emergency infrastructure, from helpful casual boaters to the professionals, is tuned and ready to respond when nature’s forces challenge us.
