Sailboat With Five Aboard Towed In Rhode Island Sound

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard is towing a sailboat to Newport after it became disabled in rough seas.

Petty Officer Robert Simpson says five people were aboard the 55-foot Swept Away when it became unable to lower its sails and lost all propulsion Wednesday in Rhode Island Sound.

A Coast Guard cutter responded, but because of the weather it was unable to tow the boat. A larger cutter was called in and was able to tow the sailboat.

Simpson says the boat is still being towed Thursday morning.

He did not immediately know where the Swept Away was from.

The Coast Guard also rescued four crew members of a tugboat that sank off Point Judith on Wednesday.