The Coast Guard responded to a boat taking on water six miles northwest of Provincetown, Mass., Saturday at 8:25 a.m.
The three-person crew of the Five for Fighting notified Coast Guard Sector Boston on channel 16 VHF/FM that they were taking on water and needed help. The sector launched a 41-foot utility boat crew from Station Point Allerton, Mass., and a 25-foot rescue boat crew Station Provincetown, Mass.
The sector also issued an urgent marine information broadcast, requesting assistance from nearby mariners. A good Samaritan aboard the Mic Mac responded to the call, arrived on scene with the Five for Fighting, and took the crew off just before it sank.
The 41-foot boat crew arrived on scene, took the three survivors aboard, and transferred them to shore. No injuries were reported.
The Coast Guard issued a safety marine information broadcast advising mariners to use caution when transiting the area where the Five for Fighting is still adrift and partially submerged. No pollution has been reported.
The Coast Guard will continue to monitor the situation and will work with the boat’s owner to ensure salvage plans are made.
“The crew of the Five for Fighting did the right thing by having a working VHF/FM radio aboard and using it to put out a distress call.” said Lt. Kate Higgins-Bloom, incident management division chief at Coast Guard Sector Boston.
She said many recreational boaters have come to rely on cell phones as a primary means of communication, but its important to monitor VHF/FM as well.
“Cell phones do not allow us to use our direction finding technology, which uses VHF/FM radio frequencies,” said Higgins-Bloom.
“We also really want to thank the Mic Mac for responding so quickly to our broadcast,” said Higgins-Bloom.
