Crew Rescued From Sinking Boat Off Gloucester

Coast Guard crew members arrive at the location of the fishing vessel Miss Sandy. Photo/USCG

Coast Guard crew members on their way to the scene. Photo/USCG

In a dramatic rescue near Gloucester Harbor, the Coast Guard saved the crew of a rapidly sinking fishing vessel on Friday.

The Coast Guard reported receiving a Mayday call from the fishing vessel Miss Sandy on Friday, January 17. The vessel was seven nautical miles off Gloucester Harbor, and it was reportedly flooding rapidly.

Coast Guard crew members go through final checks. Photo/USCG

Roughly five feet of water was in the engine room at the time and dangerous exhaust fumes were filling the space, according to Coast Guard officials.

Within 30 minutes, Station Gloucester, the CGC William Chadwick, and local agencies were on the scene attempting to save the boat and its crew.

The Coast Guard crew readies their inflatable. Photo/USCG

As dewatering efforts began, the Chadwick and Station Gloucester worked together to tow the Miss Sandy toward Gloucester Harbor. But despite their efforts, the flooding overwhelmed the vessel. Just moments after the tow was broken to ensure crew safety, the Miss Sandy sank beneath the waves.

The vessel’s entire crew and a NOAA observer were safely rescued without injury.

Coast Guard officials said that had the incident occurred farther offshore or in more severe weather conditions, the situation could have been far more dire.

The sinking of Miss Sandy. Photo/USCG