Wareham DNR/CWN
WAREHAM – From Wareham DNR: At approximately 4:40 PM on Wednesday, September 16th, a mayday call was broadcast over the marine VHF radio for a vessel in need of assistance at the end of Stoney Point Dike.
Officers Brogioli and Richards from Wareham DNR got underway from Onset Harbor. In addition, the Army Corps of Engineers – Cape Cod Canal Patrol, Wareham Fire Department, Onset Fire Rescue, TowBoatUS Cape Cod/Plymouth, and an additional WDNR Patrol Boat out of the Wareham River responded to the incident.
WDNR and the Army Corps of Engineers were the first emergency responders on scene in rough sea conditions. They encountered a 28-foot vessel, which was rapidly taking on water, approximately a half-mile west of Stony Point Dike. The Army Corp of Engineers and Wareham DNR were able to remove the three persons onboard the sinking vessel. TowboatUS Cape Cod was able to get the vessel immediately in tow, however, due to the conditions and the vessel already unstable, it overturned.
We are happy to report that everyone onboard was safe, accounted for, and did not sustain any injuries.
The parties onboard the vessel in distress advised officers that they had encountered rough seas at the end of Stony Point Dike, taking a wave over the bow that swamped the vessel. Salvage operations are ongoing with TowBoatUS Cape Cod to resurface the vessel.
We would like to recognize all of Wareham’s dedicated First Responders, the Army Corps of Engineers, and TowBoat US Cape Cod for the immediate response to a rapidly deteriorating incident. In addition, we would like to thank WDNR Officers Nicholas Brogioli, Charlie Richards and Army Corps – Patrol Boat crew for going above and beyond to ensure the safety of the three persons onboard.
