Photos by Todd Stevick for The Bay Net
 
 
 
 

Solomons Island: Twelve high school students had a near miss with tragedy when their practice boats capsized after catching a strong gush of wind Thursday afternoon. The accident site was in the waters behind the Southern Maryland Sailing Association, organizers of the school boating practice, on Solomons Island.

“All 12 students were safe,” said Courtney Davis, who took part in the rescue operations.

The rescued students, some still drenched, told The Bay Net that four boats held eight total Patuxent High School students and two held four Leonardtown High School students.

Within minutes of the accident, Solomons and Calvert Volunteer Fire & Rescue Squads in dive gear were in the water helping students back to the shore.

“I feel really happy,” said Kaitlyn French, from Leonardtown High School. “I think the Fire Department and Rescue Squad did a very good job. She said the waters were calm and warm, but all of a sudden a powerful gush of wind overturned all the practicing boats.

Shayne Douglass, who maintained a confident calm and poise, said, “I have had it happen before.”  Douglass told The Bay Net there was no wind at all and then all of a sudden a huge gush of wind struck his vessel. “I had it under control for a couple of minutes and it flipped again.” He said Stovey Brown, coach at the Southern Maryland Sailing Association, came to help him and in the meantime other rescuers arrived at the scene of the boats capsizing.

Andrew Rhoken, who had been on one of the Patuxent High School boats, was helping to comfort others. He said the school bus had dropped them at the Southern Maryland Sailing Association venue. 

Brent Thoward, Leonardtown High School, said they had carpooled to go the boating pratice, but added he was not in any of the upturned boats.

Rebeckah Stanley of Leonardtown High School heaved a sigh of relief that she was safe. “I did panic,” she said.

Sgt. Ken Turner of the Maryland Natural Resources Police provided a detailed picture of the boat mishap to The Bay Net. Turner said the sailing lessons was organized by the Solomons Island Sailing School and confirmed that there were 12 students aboard the small vessels (called day sailors) when they were struck by what he called a “strong front.”

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