BOSTON — As the weather worsens across southern New England, Coast Guard crews, a local fire department, and a good Samaritan responded to two separate boating emergencies in Rhode Island Saturday evening.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England watchstanders received a report of an out-of-fuel 22-foot pleasure craft with five people aboard drifting dangerously toward the rocks near Block Island.
A 45-foot motor life boat crew from from Station Block Island launched. The distressed vessel was anchored, but due to a rough sea state, the anchor line gave way, the vessel flooded, and all five people fell into the water. They were all reportedly wearing life jackets.
The Coast Guard crew arrived on scene at 5:56 p.m., safely recovered all five people from the water, and returned them to shore.
Later, at approximately 6:30 p.m. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England watchstanders received a report of a capsized vessel with two adults and a small child in the water near Cedar Tree Point in Greenwich Bay. Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Broadcast and launched a 45-foot motor life boat crew from Station Castle Hill. A nearby good Samaritan rushed in to recover all three people from the water. East Greenwich Fire marine units arrived at 6:53 p.m. to evaluate the mariners’ health and offer any needed assistance. No injuries were reported and the three were returned safely to shore.
“Today's events go to show that people need to be very careful when out on the water, especially with the impending storm,” said Chief Petty Officer Jason Bryant, Command Duty Officer of Sector Southeastern New England. “As the weather deteriorates, we encourage folks to avoid unnecessary trips on the water,” he said.