The Ocean City Inlet parking lot is shown Monday, June 25. (Photo: WBOC)OCEAN CITY, Md.- Two men were rescued from the Ocean City Inlet on Monday after nearly being pulled out to the ocean by strong currents. U.S. Coast Guard officials from the Ocean City station said the two men were wearing their life vests, which may have saved their lives.
Officials said the men were out in the inlet on personal watercrafts when the weather became unfavorable. The actual reason for the failure of the two crafts is under investigation.
"A squall was passing through and the visibility was less than 1 nautical mile. There was still sun out, but very thick with rain," said Coast Guard Petty Officer Jeffrey Jonsson. "The current was anywhere between one and two knots pulling on an 'eb' which is pulling people out towards the ocean. It was very hard conditions especially for someone trying to swim in it."
Eyewitnesses said current was moving quickly.
Joyce Hartlee of the Oceanic Motel said, "I heard a young boy say 'Help! Help,' and there were two boys standing on top of the boat and one of my customers yelled, 'Call 9-1-1!'"
The Coast Guard said the two men were 18 and 19 years of age and were treated for mild shock.
