The radio on the ship was broken and all the flares had already been shot off.
And the two passengers trapped on the boat Friday night during a storm in the Chesapeake Bay were injured.
But when all hope was nearly lost, the 62-year-old man and 64-year-old woman from England used a flashlight to signal a passing vessel using Morse code.
It was that SOS signal that "played a big role in their rescue," said Petty Officer John Edwards, spokesman for the Coast Guard.
The sailboat was about four miles east of the Patuxent River and had been drifting for at least 12 hours by the time it was found.
The couple was returning home to England when they were caught in a bad storm early Friday evening. During the storm, Albert Labos, 62, suffered injuries to his hand and Theresa Labos, 64, apparently broke several ribs, officials said.
The storm also damaged the ship's mast, knocking out the radio system along with all hope of calling for help.
But the flashlight turned out to be a lifesaver, taking the "search" out of "search and rescue."
"Even though he was injured, his radio was down, he was still able to communicate," Petty Officer Edwards said, noting the man's presence of mind.
At about 7:30 a.m. Saturday, crew members of the passing ship were able to pick up the SOS signal and contacted the Coast Guard, who rescued the couple. From there they took them to the bridge near Solomon's Island, where local paramedics transported them to St. Mary's Hospital, St. Mary's County, Coast Guard officials said.
No one reported seeing the flares, and officials don't know how long Mr. Labos had been sending the SOS before someone finally passed by.
This week is national boating safety week, and this case is a perfect example of how people should be aware of their surroundings and how to handle themselves in a boating emergency, Coast Guard officials said.
"Having boating education is really key," he said.
People bringing their boats out for the first time should consider having their vessel inspected.
Coast Guard officials also remind boaters to carry signaling devices such as flares, mirrors and whistles on board to increase their chances of a rescue.
"Having signaling devices is completely useful in saving your life," he said.
