REEDVILLE—Smith Point Sea Rescue (SPSR) celebrated its 50th anniversary and the christening of the new Rescue III on Saturday, May 11, at Buzzard Point Marina near Reedville.
The SPSR is the only volunteer unit on Chesapeake Bay and leaders believe it is one of only two such volunteer organizations on the East Coast.
The group has been serving the Potomac River region for half a century, towing boaters that have broken down or grounded in shallow waters or delivering fuel to those who have run out.
U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Peggy M. Britton said that the mid-bay area is a difficult area to “reach” and the Coast Guard relies on SPSR to aid in covering the area. “Your professionalism sings,” she said.
Author Ann Eichenmuller spoke on the soon-to-be-released book, There When Needed – A History of Smith Point Sea Rescue. She read an excerpt from the book on the tragedy that occurred on local waters on November 2, 1973, that inspired the creation of SPSR. The book is scheduled to be released in the coming weeks.
Dedicated members of SPSR Dee David and Sandy Doptis were selected to christen the new boat. Together they each smashed a bottle….
