A family’s boating trip near Martha’s Vineyard ended in a nail-biting ordeal when their vessel burst into flames, leaving them stranded on Naushon Island. After nearly two days with no word, a washed-up radio alerted the Coast Guard to their plight and led to a dramatic helicopter rescue.
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Marooned Family Rescued After Jumping From Flaming Boat
Key Takeaways:
- A 30-foot boat named Third Wave caught fire off Martha’s Vineyard, forcing a family of three to abandon ship.
- They swam to nearby Naushon Island, where they spent over a day before being found.
- Concerned relatives alerted authorities after the family failed to return as expected.
- The Coast Guard intensified the search after the family’s marine radio washed ashore.
- Volunteers from Naushon Trust were first on the scene, administering aid before a Coast Guard helicopter rescue.
The Immediate Crisis
A fire erupted aboard the Third Wave, a 30-foot boat carrying a man and his parents on a trip near Martha’s Vineyard. When the flames took hold, they had no choice but to leap into the water and swim for shore.
Stranded on Naushon Island
Upon reaching land on Naushon Island, the family realized help would not come quickly. The island lies off Martha’s Vineyard, relatively remote, and they had no way to initiate a distress call. They waited there, hoping to be discovered before injuries or exposure put them further at risk.
The Search Begins
On Tuesday evening, a concerned family member alerted officials that the group had not returned as expected to Eel Pond near Falmouth, Massachusetts. Authorities began scouring the waters for any sign of the missing boat and its occupants. The Coast Guard issued a broadcast urging mariners to keep watch and report sightings.
A Crucial Clue Washes Up
It was not until Wednesday morning that a major break occurred. The family’s marine radio washed up on Naushon Island, enabling the Coast Guard to detect their mayday call. This pivotal clue let search teams zero in on the island and learn that the family had safely reached land.
The Rescue
Volunteers from Naushon Trust arrived first to provide initial aid, discovering that at least one person had sustained serious injuries. Shortly thereafter, a Coast Guard helicopter was able to airlift the family to safety. Though the full extent of the injuries is unclear, the swift action by both volunteers and the Coast Guard prevented a potential tragedy.
