BOSTON – The Coast Guard is responding Friday to a boat taking on water about 60 miles southeast of Vinalhaven, Maine.
A person aboard fishing vessel Tyler used a VHF radio to contact watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Northern New England’s command center at about 7:30 a.m. and reported their boat was rapidly taking on water with four people aboard. The hailer said they are using pumps, but are unable to keep up with the flooding.
Air Station Cape Cod launched an MH-60 helicopter crew, and a 144 Ocean Sentry crew arrived on scene shortly after 9 a.m. to provide additional dewatering equipment. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Halifax launched a Canadian aircraft to provide surveillance and keep location of the people.
The RCC also put out a notice to mariners and a high-speed ferry that runs from Portland, Maine, to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, responded and is on scene to help with dewatering.
The Coast Guard Cutter Moray, a coastal patrol boat from Jonesport, Maine, and a motor lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Southwest Harbor, Maine, are also en route to help rescue the people.
Tyler’s crew said they have a life raft and emergency position indicating radio beacon aboard.