A family of three was rescued from an island off Cape Cod after their boat caught fire, forcing them to swim to safety, as reported by the U.S. Coast Guard. The distressing incident unfolded when the family, who had embarked on a trip on Friday, became overdue after their vessel, named the Third Wave, ignited in flames on Monday night.
The situation escalated as the Coast Guard revealed the family was reported missing when they failed to return by Tuesday evening. A search was initiated, involving the Coast Guard, local police, and the harbormaster in Falmouth along with the Naushon Trust. Their ordeal took a turn for the better when the son managed to find the boat’s marine radio, which had washed ashore on Naushon Island. This enabled them to issue a mayday call, leading to their rescue on Wednesday morning.
According to reports, volunteers who responded quickly provided first aid to the family before the Coast Guard helicopter airlifted them to Cape Cod Hospital. It remains unclear if any members sustained injuries during their adventure. The family had originally planned to anchor between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard before returning home the following day.
Scott Backholm, a search-and-rescue mission coordinator for the Coast Guard, praised the family’s quick thinking, emphasizing the importance of having quality equipment for safety at sea. He encouraged fellow mariners to engage in first aid training and ensure their vessels are equipped with essential safety gear.
This incident marks the second Coast Guard rescue in the Woods Hole area within a week, following another operation where a person was rescued from the ocean after being spotted by a passing ferry. The resilience shown by the family and the swift actions of the Coast Guard and local volunteers highlight the critical importance of readiness and safety measures while out at sea.