At approximately 3:36 p.m. on August 27, an Albanian citizen called the Dover Police Department (DPD) in Delaware reporting an emergency on board his brother's boat, which was sailing in the English Channel off the coast of Dover, England.
The caller mistakenly contacted DPD about the sunken ship instead of law enforcement in Dover, England, because it came up high in an internet search. According to press release.
Communications operator Mackenzie Atkinson remained on the line, gathering vital information, including the ship's latitude and longitude coordinates. Using her training in Priority Dispatch and certification from the International Emergency Dispatch Academy, Atkinson ran through response procedures for a vessel in distress.
Communications Operator Connor Logan notified multiple agencies internationally, including Kent County 911/Emergency Communications, the U.S. Coast Guard Delaware River and Bay Station Section, the U.S. Coast Guard 5th District, the French Coast Guard, the UK Coast Guard, Dover Police Department and the UK Maritime and Coast Guard Agency Coordination Center. (Related: Illegal immigrant suspect in NYPD attack gives middle finger to camera after release)
— Dover, Delaware Police Department (@DoverDEPolice) September 12, 2024
According to a press release, 15 minutes and 48 seconds after receiving the call, the Maritime and Coast Guard Agency notified DPD they were responding to the vessel. Communications operators Patricia Mazzola and Brianna Dozier responded to the local emergency call, and local services continued. (Related: First cause of death revealed in luxury yacht disaster, no signs of drowning)
DPD received follow-up notice on September 5th, notifying them that local authorities had rescued the vessel and its crew and transported them to the Port of Dover in the UK. Emergency Communications Manager (ECM) Matthew Carey nominated the parties involved for a DPD Outstanding Unit Award.
According to a press release, Police Chief Thomas Johnson Jr. acknowledged the communications operators' efforts in a statement: “In this case, keeping the local community safe while coordinating an international rescue effort is a testament to their exceptional skill and dedication. Of course, I accepted the certificate of commendation submitted by the communications operators and have notified Mayor Christiansen of this incredible success,” Chief Johnson said.
