HYANNIS – Hyannis firefighters responded to a marine incident around 10:30 PM Saturday. According to reports, a vessel capsized plunging four people into the chilly waters. The victims were brought in by the fire boat to the Lewis Bay boat ramp. All three were transported to Cape Cod Hospital with possible hypothermia. One of the victims was reported to be in serious condition.
The Cape & Islands District Attorney’s office issued the following statement late Sunday afternoon: Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois announced that on Saturday at approximately 11:39 PM, State Police Detectives assigned to Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J Galibois’ office were notified of a capsized vessel in the ocean waters off Yarmouth.
The preliminary investigation indicates that said vessel became disabled and requested assistance. Sea Tow USA responded to render help. At some point during the towing process, in seas of approximately 4-5 feet and high wind speeds, the disabled vessel began to take-on water and capsized. Four occupants fell into the water. All four individuals ultimately boarded the Sea Tow USA. The Hyannis Fire Department dispatched a vessel to meet the Sea Tow USA on its approach to Hyannis and secured one of the four parties onto its vessel in order to render necessary medical aid while battling challenging seas and winds. After docking in Hyannis, medical personal continued to administer aid to all four parties and transferred all four to a local hospital. This matter remains under investigation.
District Attorney Galibois would like to acknowledge the rapid response of the Hyannis Fire Department and the heroic efforts made by responding members. Also, DA Galibois thanks the Barnstable and Yarmouth Police Departments for their responses and the continued efforts of the Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Environmental Police, Barnstable Harbor Master and the United States Coast Guard.
From US Coast Guard: The Coast Guard rescued four boaters after their 23-foot vessel capsized off Hyannis and West Yarmouth Saturday.
Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England command center watchstanders received a “mayday” notification from Sea Tow at 10:28 PM Saturday. A vessel it was towing back to port capsized near Point Gammon, resulting in all four of its passengers entering the water.
Coast Guard Station Woods Hole, Station Chatham, and Air Station Cape Cod crews responded to search. Sea Tow crew rescued all four passengers and transported them to Hyannis Harbor. They were met by EMS and taken to Cape Cod Hospital.
The Coast Guard is monitoring the area for pollution and is investigating the incident. Sea Tow is managing the salvage efforts.
The Coast Guard is aiming to uncover the causes behind the incident and develop effective measures to prevent similar occurrences to safeguard both life and property at sea.
The vessel originally began taking on water in the area near Point Gammon, with initial response efforts from Hyannis Fire, Barnstable Police, and Sea Tow.
Local mariners are advised to monitor marine VHF radio on channel 16 for updates on the vessel’s location.
As we enter the summer boating season, the Coast Guard would like to emphasize the importance of boating safety for recreational and professional boaters of all experience levels.
“Summer is just around the corner, and we cannot emphasize enough how important it is to be prepared, and to operate safely on the water, regardless of your experience level,” said Cmdr. Thomas Wieland, the response department head of Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England. “Boaters should always wear a lifejacket when on the water, lifejackets save lives.”
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