ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Coast Guard rescued eight boaters and one cat from two vessels that reportedly collided around 4 a.m. Friday approximately seven miles east of Bethany Beach, Del.
Crewmembers from Coast Guard Station Indian River in Rehoboth Beach, Del., heard a mayday call over VHF-FM radio channel 16 shortly after the pleasure craft, Line Item, and the sailing vessel, Obsession, reportedly collided.
The Line Item, which had six people aboard, started taking on water quickly and began sinking. A boatcrew from Station Indian River arrived on scene and rescued the six people aboard with no injuries.
The crew of the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Ibis, homeported in Cape May, N.J., arrived on scene, deployed their smallboat, and rescued two people and one cat, all wearing life jackets, from the Obsession. No injuries were reported.
“In this case, we effected the successful rescue of eight people and one family feline, and I’m very pleased with the outcome of this rescue mission,” said Chief Petty Officer Michael Kristiansen, officer in charge of Station Indian River, “We constantly train so we can maintain the highest possible level of readiness, and we stand ready for the call. The Coast Guard would like to remind boaters of the importance of safe boating practices, such as wearing a life jacket at all times while boating, equipping your boat with a VHF-FM radio, and filing a float plan. The price of properly outfitting your vessel is far less than loss of life on the water. These mariners utilized vital life saving equipment on hand, which aided in safe, effective and timely rescue efforts of all involved.”
Those rescued were transferred to Station Indian River. The sailing vessel was salvaged by Tow Boat U.S.
