WAREHAM – At approximately 3:00 PM, Wareham Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers monitoring the Marine VHF radio Channel 16 overheard a DSC distress call alert. The United States Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England was able to make contact with the vessel in distress. Originally reported as a mechanical issue, when Wareham DNR arrived on scene, Officers noted a 18-20 foot vessel that was overturned. All persons that were on the overturned vessel were pulled from the water onto another private vessel, as they were fishing in a group.
A total of 3 people were pulled from the water, and transported to Tempest Knob Boat Ramp by Wareham Fire Marine Unit 4 to be evaluate by Wareham EMS.
The vessel was towed to the Tempest Knob Boat Ramp by TowBoat U.S. and SeaTow Cape and Islands for boat accident investigators from the Massachusetts Evironmental Police.
The overturned vessel incident is currently under investigation by the Massachusetts Environmental Police.
While the first vessel was being salvaged, another mayday call came over the VHF radio for a sailing vessel with an unknown distress at approximately 5:30pm. SeaTow Cape and Islands was able to secure the vessel and tow it to Kingman Marina. No persons were injured in the second distress call and it was determined to be an engine issue.
Media release furnished by Wareham DNR
