Dispatchers in Dover, Delaware received unexpected international recognition after assisting in the rescue of a boat in distress in the English Channel. The incident occurred when an Albanian man mistakenly called the Dover, Delaware Police Department instead of reaching out to emergency services in Dover, England. The caller urgently reported that his brother’s boat was sinking in the English Channel, prompting quick action from the Delaware dispatchers.
Upon realizing the gravity of the situation and the urgency of the call, Communications Operator MacKenzie Atkinson skillfully gathered crucial information from the caller, including the vessel’s coordinates. Atkinson, who had recently completed certification from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch, followed established protocols for handling distress calls from vessels.
Simultaneously, Communications Officer Connor Logan initiated international notifications, contacting various agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard, French Coast Guard, His Majesty’s Coastguard in England, and the United Kingdom’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Coordination Center, as well as police stations in Dover, England. Within minutes, the agencies were alerted, and rescue efforts were set in motion to save the boat and its passengers.
Approximately 15 minutes and 48 seconds after the initial call, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed that rescue operations were underway. Nearly ten days later, on September 5, confirmation arrived that the vessel and all individuals on board had been safely returned to the Port of Dover, England. The Dover Police Department commended Atkinson, Logan, and two other communication officers involved during the emergency by nominating them for a Distinguished Unit Commendation for their exceptional coordination and swift response.