News Release

BALTIMORE - The Coast Guard rescued two kayakers from the Janes Island State Park in Crisfield, Md., Tuesday.  

Rescued were Maria Bennett, 22, from Salisbury, Md., and Justin Summers, 23, from Crisfield.

At 9:40 p.m., Bennett contacted Coast Guard Station Crisfield watchstanders via cellular phone reporting they were beset by weather and disoriented off Janes Island State Park two miles west of Jackson Island. Bennett told watch standers that they had paddled up to the marshes and were waiting for assistance in approximately two feet of water.

A 25-foot response boat crew from Station Crisfield arrived on scene at 10:03 p.m., and rescued the kayakers. The rescue crew transported Bennett and Summers to the Janes Island State Park Marina.

"They were wearing life jackets and had flash lights and whistles," said Petty Officer 1st Class James H. Ford, a coxswain from Station Crisfield. "Additionally, the kayakers demonstrated good judgment in not heading back during inclement weather. It is always a good idea to check weather conditions prior to getting underway," said Ford.