News

On Saturday January 6, 2024, at approximately 12:36am, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to respond to the area of Manklin Creek Road and the South Gate Pond for a water rescue. Dispatch advised that the caller had heard someone yelling and found a male of unknown age in the pond. Upon arrival to the pond, units heard yelling and relocated across Ocean Parkway to the tax/drainage ditch located below Headlines Salon. Responders located two male victims in knee to thigh high water restricted by thick layers of mud and sediment; one victim identified himself as the 911 caller and stated he was trying to rescue the other individual. While implementing the rescue plan, the original victim rolled face first into the water; a responder immediately entered the water and was able to keep the victim’s head out of the water until fellow responders were able to scale the bank and extricate both victims.

Due to the unknown reasons as to why the original victim was in the water, along with hypothermia and other medical concerns, the victim was transported to Shock Trauma by MSP Trooper 4. The initial responder and the Good Samaritan were provided warm blankets and refused any further treatment.

While the idea of a water rescue in a “ditch” might seem insignificant to most; this was a very serious incident as drowning can occur in as little as a few inches of water.  Additionally, the below freezing temperatures made the situation dangerous for the victims in the water and our first responders. Please take extra caution anytime you are near any amount of water, especially in cold weather and/or alone.