Newport News, Va. – The Newport News Fire Department (NNFD) is highlighting the swift, decisive actions of its Marine Incident Response Team (MIRT) following a dangerous water rescue during severe weather on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Jimmy Auvil of Smithfield, Va., was fishing near the Monitor–Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel with his 14‑year‑old son and his son’s friend when rapidly deteriorating weather conditions placed them in immediate danger. After relocating closer to the James River Bridge, the group anchored approximately 30 feet from the bridge. As storm clouds intensified sooner than expected, Auvil prepared to return to shore. When the boat’s engine failed to start, conditions worsened dramatically.
Within minutes, heavy rain, swirling clouds, and strong winds began pushing and rocking the vessel. A severe weather alert warning of a possible tornado was issued downstream, and the juveniles were sheltered inside the boat’s console compartment while Auvil contacted emergency resources. With commercial towing and federal assets facing delays, the U.S. Coast Guard requested immediate assistance from the Newport News Fire Department…