Two vessels capsize off Sandy Neck

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BARNSTABLE
– Two vessels capsized in separate incidents off Sandy Neck on Saturday. The first incident happened around noon when a report of an overturned motor boat just off of sandy neck point “Beach Point” in Barnstable Harbor was received. The brand-new Barnstable Fire Marine 219 made its maiden voyage responding to the scene along with the Barnstable Harbor Master. Good Samaritans picked up the three people aboard and brought them safely to shore. They were evaluated by Barnstable ambulance but all declined to go to the hospital.

Fire boat 219 made it to the scene to determine there was no one else in distress and to assess any possible fuel spills from the 24-foot vessel that was completely upside down in the water. The boat was secured for recovery by a salvage company. Officials are reportedly investigating if a mechanical problem led to the boat being hit broadside by several waves which were breaking over a sandbar and subsequently swamped the boat causing it to overturn. Sea conditions were choppy with 3 to 4 foot waves at the time.

About 7:30 p.m. another report of an overturned boat came in near the Barnstable Harbor bell buoy. Marine 219 got underway again. Marine 219 was in contact with people from this boat reporting a mayday with people in the water.

The Sandwich fire boat and West Barnstable ambulance was also dispatched. Minutes later Marine 219 arrived on scene and plucked two people from the water. The overturned vessel was secured and the victims brought to a boat ramp to be evaluated for possible hypothermia.

Officials remind boaters to use extra caution entering and exiting harbors and to always wear their life jackets.
Photos courtesy of TowBoat US Provincetown

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