Good samaritan rescues crew of sinking commercial fishing vessel

OWL’S HEAD, Maine – U.S. Coast Guard rescue crews and a good samaritan aided a commercial fishing vessel crew after they abandoned their sinking boat east of Owl’s Head State Park, Friday, Dec. 31, 2010.

Coast Guard Sector Northern New England watchstanders received report that the fishing vessel Miss Jill was sinking at 8:40 p.m. and three mariners were abandoning their vessel to embark a life raft.

Coast Guard Station Rockland rescue crews launched a 47-foot Motor Life Boat to the last reported location. An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast was issued by watchstanders alerting any boats in the vicinity to provide assistance.

A 30-foot fishing vessel, the Rising Sun, was in the immediate area and plucked the mariners in their life raft from the water.

“It’s fortunate the Rising Sun crew was close by to assist the mariners,” said Chris Berry, a Coast Guard Sector Northern New England operational unit controller. “This shows the great camaraderie of a tight-knit maritime community.”