Coast Guard Rescues 3 Off Massachusetts

Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk arrives at Naushon Island. Photo/Video Image Capture.

Coast Guard crews rescued a family of three off Naushon Island, Massachusetts on Wednesday morning after they survived a boat fire Monday and became stranded on the island without phones or a radio.

The family—a mother, father, and son—had departed from Eel Pond in Falmouth in their 30-foot boat on Friday, October 17. They had reportedly intended to remain anchored between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard throughout the weekend before returning Tuesday afternoon.

They woke to a vessel fire Monday night, October 20. They abandoned ship and swam to the nearby island, where they found a barn for shelter.

A concerned family member reported the vessel overdue after they did not return Tuesday evening. Coast Guard Station Woods Hole and Coast Guard Cutter Razorbill, Falmouth Police Department, Falmouth Harbormaster and volunteers from Naushon Trust searched throughout Tuesday night and Wednesday morning for the vessel. Calls to the crew of the vessel went straight to voicemail and cell phone pings could not give an accurate location.

While walking along the beach Wednesday morning, October 22, the son located the vessel’s marine radio which had washed ashore. The family was then able to put out a MAYDAY call that was received by the Coast Guard.

Volunteers from Naushon Trust responded and administered first aid to the family. A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew from Air Station Cape Cod transported the family to Cape Cod Hospital for care.

“Quick thinking and having quality equipment allowed the family to survive and call for help,” says Scott Backholm, a search and rescue mission coordinator from Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England. “Mariners are encouraged to pursue first aid training and ensure their vessels are outfitted with proper safety equipment.”