Isle of Wight County, Va. – Emergency crews rescued several members of the Smithfield High School sailing team from a capsized boat on the Pagan River.
On Thursday at approximately 5:15 p.m., emergency communications received a call about a distressed boater in The Pagan River. Several people were seen in or near a capsized boat. A second boat was also seen having difficulty in the water.
Marine units from the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office, Smithfield Police Department and the Smithfield Fire Department responded to the call.
When crews arrived, they saw one sail boat had capsized and one boat ran aground. The sailing coach and additional students were in a third boat nearby. Two kids were in the boat that capsized and three were on the boat that ran aground.
All students were pulled out of the water without injuries.
“I’m glad the students were able to remain calm and rely on their safety training during this incident,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Thornton. “We certainly appreciate the community’s concern as well as the quick response of our first responders in looking out for the well-being of our students.”
Emergency crews are working with school officials to tow the boats to shore.
