NEW YORK - Coast Guard Station Jones Beach crewmembers swam to shore after their rescue boat capsized in rough waters near East Rockaway Inlet, today.At approximately 2 A.M., Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound Command Center received an urgent distress call from the 76-foot scallop fishing vessel Carolina Queen III, that had been taking on water. Seven mariners were aboard.Shortly after, the master reported the vessel was under control and had run aground near the East Rockaway Inlet.Coast Guard Station Jones Beach launched a 25-foot Response Boat Small to assist. The inlet water produced 10- to 12-foot waves and the vessel capsized. The five crewmembers aboard swam safely to shore.The Coast Guard vessel ran aground and is currently secured on the beach.Coast Guard crewmembers were treated by a local Emergency Medical Service. No injuries or medical concerns were reported at this time.Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City is currently on scene with an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter and will remove people from the fishing vessel and take them to the beach.
The situation is being monitored via VHF Channel 16.