FALMOUTH – Multiple Falmouth and US Coast Guard resources were called out after a vessel capsized off Falmouth. It happened sometime after 5 PM off Black Beach. A Good Samaritan who tried to swim out to the victims was pulled out by rescuers. Two people onboard the ill-fated vessel were pulled from the water by rescuers a short time later and were evaluated for possible hypothermia.
From Falmouth Fire-Rescue: At 5:08 PM on Saturday, October 27th, the Falmouth Fire Rescue Department (FFRD) responded to the area of Black Beach for a capsized sailboat with two individuals in the water. An engine & ambulance were dispatched to the scene. Marine assets included a trailered inflatable boat to the scene and the 31’ fire rescue boat on station in Falmouth Harbor. The Falmouth Harbormaster and U.S. Coast Guard were also notified.
The first arriving units found an overturned 14’ sailboat in high surf and wind conditions, with two teenage sailors in the water. A family member was also in the water attempting to assist from the beach. All persons in the water were wearing flotation devices.
Rescue operations commenced on the shore, with firefighters initially removing the family member trying to assist from the water. Launch of the inflatable boat from the beach was attempted as crews worked through limited access to the beach and breaking waves. Surf conditions also made locating the victims challenging. A USCG 45’ response boat followed by the FFRD asset arrived on scene from Buzzards Bay to assist. Barnstable County Sheriff personnel were also on location to provide a drone for the search. Shortly thereafter, the two sailors were able to make their way to shoals further south of the initial capsizing and were assisted by personnel to the beach.
The two sailors were transported to Falmouth Hospital for hypothermia. Two fire rescue personnel also sustained minor injuries while operating in the surf and were transported to Falmouth Hospital for evaluation. A Falmouth Police Officer was also brought to the ER for evaluation.
Fire Rescue’s 31-foot vessel grappled and towed the capsized sailboat to deeper water. The tow was then transferred to the Coast Guard to handle the hazard to navigation.
Operations concluded at 9:06 PM. Joint Base Cape Cod Fire Rescue and Mashpee Fire Rescue provided station coverage during the incident. We thank all entities involved, including the Falmouth Police Department, for their assistance.
