Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — An Orange Beach resident, Maria Hawkins, found more than she expected while checking their property Wednesday morning after Tropical Storm Bertha. A boat had washed up near their dock overnight. Hawkins spotted it after waking up and stepping outside to survey the damage. What followed was an unexpected visit from Orange Beach police.

Officers arrived at the Hawkins' home a little later that morning on July 22nd, just as she was leaving for work. They asked whether a boat had washed ashore nearby. Hawkins confirmed it had and that it was resting against the dock in front of her house.

Police then moved the boat to a safer location to protect it and the dock from further weather-related damage. Officers located the boat's owner, a senior citizen, so he could reclaim his property.

When the owner arrived, an officer stayed by his side, holding his hand as he walked up and down the stairs to reach the dock. Hawkins said the gesture stood out as a sign of genuine respect and care for an Orange Beach citizen in a difficult situation. 

Officers then helped the owner board his boat safely. One officer rode with him back to the water, while two others returned to their patrol vehicle and drove to meet him at the resident's house, coordinating his transportation throughout.

The two officers later brought the man back to Hawkins’ home so he could pick up his vehicle, completing a chain of assistance that stretched from the dock to the boat and back home again. Hawkins said the officers' kindness throughout the encounter left a lasting impression on her.