NEW YORK–The Coast Guard Cutter Tiger Shark is towing a 74-foot disabled fishing vessel with six people onboard through heavy seas roughly 30 miles south of Montauk, N.Y., today.
The Lily M, from New Bedford, Mass., called the Coast Guard District One command center via satellite phone at 10 p.m. Thursday after it ran out of gas about 35 miles southeast of Shinnecock Inlet and began to drift.
The Tiger Shark, an 87-foot patrol boat from Newport, R.I., immediately responded to the area to assist. After an eight and half hour transit in rough seas, they arrived on scene at about 6:40 a.m. the Tiger Shark made several attempts to pass a tow line to the disabled Lily M, before it was able to attach the line and begin the tow.
The Tiger Shark will tow the Lily M to Block Island, N.Y., where the fishing vessel will make arrangements to switch the tow to a commercial towing service. Due to the heavy swells, the two vessels are moving at a speed of about four knots, and are expected to arrive in the vicinity of Block Island at about 8 p.m.
“The Coast Guard recommends that all mariners take all precautions when preparing for a trip at sea. Make sure to bring enough food, water, gas and other essentials that will be needed for the duration of your trip,” said Lt. j.g. Robert Skinner, Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound command duty watch officer. “We are fast approaching the time when water and air temperatures will be getting lower and increasing the risk of injury to mariners on the water. If your vessel does become disabled or otherwise in distress while underway, please contact your local Coast Guard officials, who can coordinate with the nearest commercial assistance provider if necessary to assist in towing your vessel.”
