Coast Guard Rescues Five After New Bedford Boat Takes On Water

MARTHA'S VINEYARD - The U.S. Coast Guard has rescued five people off the coast of Martha's Vineyard after their recreational boat began taking on water Thursday.

In a press release, the Coast Guard says the master of the 30-foot boat Cila, based in New Bedford, radioed watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England about 3:30 p.m. Thursday, reporting their vessel was taking on water, with five people aboard.

A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Station Menemsha, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Air Station Cape Cod, the Barnstable County Sheriff's office, and a commercial towing service from Falmouth responded to assist.

When responders arrived on scene, the Coast Guard boat crew transferred four of the five people to the 47-foot Motor Life Boat and began assisting the vessel.

With the master still aboard, the rescue crew was able to control the flooding and stabilize the boat for a return to port under its own power. The boat crews escorted the vessel back to Menemsha Harbor.

No injuries were reported.