Coast Guard Rescue - Onancock Creek

The Coast Guard rescued one person who was overdue in Onancock Creek Monday morning.

Rescued was Dan Kelley of Onancock.

Chris Spence, a friend of Kelley, contacted Coast Guard Sector Baltimore watchstanders via telephone, reporting one person overdue on a personal water craft at approximately 11:30 p.m. Sunday.

A 25-foot response boat crew from Coast Guard Station Crisfield, Md., arrived on scene and located Kelley at approximately 1 a.m. on Onancock Creek shore near Olney Farm Lane. The boat crew took Kelley to a pier near Mallard's at the Wharf in Onancock, where he was met by a family member.

According to Petty Officer 2nd Class Keith Newman, the officer of the day at Station Crisfield, “Kelley telling Spence that he was leaving and would be home in 10 minutes was key to finding the overdue boater. His friend notified the Coast Guard when Kelley didn't arrive as planned and was able to give his approximate location, which aided rescuers in finding him."

The Coast Guard urges mariners to file a detailed float plan with friends, family, or your local marina and have a marine-band radio on hand at all times. A detailed float plan should include the number of people on your vessel, your intended destination and estimated time of return.