Coast Guard audio captures stranded family's mayday call. 'Our ship burned while we were sleeping'
Share this @internewscast.com


GOSNOLD, Mass. (AP) — A family of three who swam to safety on a secluded island after their boat caught fire and sank were found two days later, thanks to a marine radio that drifted ashore.

“Mayday, mayday, mayday! Our ship went down in Tarpaulin’s Cove!” Tyler Sullivan urgently relayed to a Coast Guard dispatcher early Wednesday. “Our boat caught fire while we were asleep, and we barely made it out!”

The Sullivan family set sail from Falmouth on Friday, planning to return Tuesday after a weekend anchored near Naushon Island, the largest in a series of islands between southeastern Massachusetts and Martha’s Vineyard. When they failed to return, a concerned relative alerted authorities Tuesday night, triggering a coordinated search involving the Falmouth police and the Harbormaster.

Audio from Broadcastify.com captures a Coast Guard dispatcher inquiring about the medical status of Sullivan’s parents and their capability to move or sit up. In the released mayday calls, Sullivan detailed their predicament and the boat’s demise.

“The vessel has sunk, and we are in the farmhouse,” Sullivan reported.

Not long after, a Coast Guard helicopter rescued the family, transporting them to a nearby hospital. Tyler’s brother, Christopher, shared with WCVB-TV that their mother was in critical but stable condition.

“Quick thinking and having quality equipment allowed the family to survive and call for help,” Scott Backholm, a search and rescue mission coordinator from Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England said in a statement.

Naushon Island, part of the Elizabeth Islands, is owned by the Forbes family but has several coves that are open to the public, according to a company that offers tourist excursions to the islands.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
US sailor prepped for minesweeping in Strait of Hormuz sidelined by monkey attack

US Sailor’s Minesweeping Mission in Strait of Hormuz Halted by Unexpected Monkey Attack

Beware of unexpected encounters with the local wildlife. An incident involving a…
Prince Harry makes surprise visit in Ukraine in show of support during war

Prince Harry’s Unexpected Visit to Ukraine: A Heartfelt Show of Support Amid Conflict

In a surprise move, Prince Harry paid a visit to Ukraine’s capital,…
Trump says he ordered Navy to 'shoot and kill' Iran mine-laying boats in Strait of Hormuz

Trump’s Bold Navy Directive: ‘Shoot and Kill’ Command for Iran Mine-Laying Boats in Strait of Hormuz

In a bold declaration on Thursday, President Trump announced that he had…
Former Chapel Hill, North Carolina police officer Christopher Gillum accused of threatening mass shooting in New Orleans

Ex-Chapel Hill Officer Christopher Gillum Faces Allegations of Threatening Mass Shooting in New Orleans

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Authorities have apprehended a North Carolina man in…
Tranquilized bear that fell from tree in Albany released back into the wild

Tranquilized Bear Rescued from Albany Tree Successfully Returned to Natural Habitat

The escape was a bear necessity! The black bear that captured the…
The Kremlin’s war on censorship looks a lot like trigger warnings in NYC, dissident Russian director says

Russian Director Compares Kremlin’s Censorship Tactics to NYC’s Trigger Warnings

Fleeing Russia in pursuit of freedom, a prominent director found himself ensnared…
Plan to ban kids from social media pushed forward by California lawmakers

California Lawmakers Propel Groundbreaking Ban on Kids’ Social Media Usage: What It Means for the Future

California legislators are advancing a contentious proposal aimed at prohibiting children under…
Sex offender accused of 6 sex assaults in one day as crime surge rocks affluent valley

Valley Community on Edge as One Day Sees Six Alleged Assaults by Registered Offender

A registered sex offender is facing accusations of committing a series of…
Texas assistant principal Lindsay Velasquez killed by husband: cops

Tragic Loss: Texas Assistant Principal Lindsay Velasquez Fatally Shot by Husband, Police Report

An assistant principal from a Texas elementary school tragically lost her life…
Hiker stumbles on human skull in iconic desert as mystery grows and detectives open homicide probe

Human Skull Discovery in Iconic Desert Sparks Homicide Investigation: Mystery Deepens as Detectives Probe

A chilling find in the isolated deserts of Southern California has initiated…
San Diego cuts deal with Disney that will bring huge boost to port traffic

San Diego Secures Landmark Deal with Disney to Skyrocket Port Traffic and Economic Growth

Disney Cruise Line is making a significant commitment to San Diego’s port,…
Sickening video shows NYC teen stomp on girl's head -- after she refused to give him her number

Shocking NYC Incident: Teen Brutally Attacks Girl for Rejecting Advances, Caught on Video

A disturbing video has emerged showing a violent encounter between two teenagers,…