VIDEO: Crowds are gathering in Ocean City for the White Marlin Open. With the increased need for safety, fire officials are staying prepared for any emergency. Ocean Cityโs Fire Department is doing so with Fire Boat 1, a specialized vessel used to respond to emergencies on the water, according to Ryan Whittington, a department spokesperson. โA boat that can rescue people during distress in the water, put out a fire on the water, or handle any type of vessel accident that may occur in the bay or ocean,โ Whittington said. WMDTโs Ronnell Foreman took a cruise on the bay to see the operation firsthand. Most White Marlin Open competitors must travel far offshore to catch the biggest fish. Thomas Adkins, who competes in the tournamentโs largest billfish category, said the pressure is intense. โItโs stressful, obviously. Tournament fishing is all like that โ you miss one, you might cost the boat $1 million,โ he said. โEspecially up here, how much you can win. Itโs nuts.โ
