BOSTON — The Coast Guard rescued two people aboard a sinking vessel approximately three miles northwest of Block Island, R.I., at 3:40 p.m. Saturday.
Watchstanders from the Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England Command Center received a distress call from a 24-foot cabin cruiser at 3:23 p.m. Saturday, reporting the boat had hit something and began taking on water. A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Point Judith in Narragansett, R.I., heard the mayday call on VHF channel 16 and immediately diverted to the scene of the incident.
“Fortunately the Coast Guard crews made it on scene before the vessel fully submerged,” said Lt. Joe Klinker,1st Coast Guard District public affairs officer. “With the changing seasons, the weather is making conditions more fierce and having the right safety equipment available can save lives.”
The two men were transported back to the station to awaiting medical personnel. No injuries were reported.
The boat remains adrift and poses no threat of pollution. Plans to salvage the boat are being coordinated with the owner of the vessel and the Coast Guard.
