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
On Maduro’s ‘terror island,’ Hezbollah operatives move in as tourists drift out

Hezbollah Presence Grows on Venezuela’s ‘Terror Island’ as Tourism Declines Under Maduro’s Regime

From afar, Margarita Island appears to be the quintessential Caribbean paradise, with…
Target Lady Has Last Laugh on AWFL Grinch Who Tried to Steal Christmas, Gets Roaring Welcome at TPUSA

Target Employee Triumphs Over AWFL Grinch: Heartwarming Comeback at TPUSA Event

At 72 years old, Jeanie Beeman, a Target employee, received a warm…
Luigi Mangione lawyers renew bid to toss death penalty charge, alleging Pam Bondi has a conflict of interest

Luigi Mangione’s Legal Team Seeks Dismissal of Death Penalty, Citing Conflict of Interest with Pam Bondi

On Friday, attorneys representing Luigi Mangione intensified their efforts to dismiss the…
$775 million Powerball: Winning numbers for Wednesday, Dec. 3

Winner Announced for Saturday’s $1.5 Billion Powerball Jackpot

WASHINGTON — Anticipation is building as the Powerball jackpot has soared to…
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back

Historic Blue Origin Mission: First Wheelchair User Successfully Travels to Space and Returns

In a remarkable achievement for space travel and inclusivity, Blue Origin, led…
Gurnee Woodland Elementary School teacher Todd Fowler charged with disseminating child pornography, Lake County Sheriff says

Attempted Child Luring in South Austin: Chicago Police Investigate Suspicious Van Incident on West Adams Street

CHICAGO (WLS) — An alert has been released by Chicago police regarding…
Former Australian minister says ‘radical Islam pulled the trigger’ in nation's worst terror attack

Ex-Australian Minister Claims ‘Radical Islam’ Behind Nation’s Deadliest Terror Attack

EXCLUSIVE: A former Australian government minister has attributed the country’s deadliest terrorist…
Several elephants killed in train collision as impact causes multiple coaches to derail

Tragic Train Collision Claims Elephant Lives and Derails Multiple Coaches: Urgent Call for Wildlife Safety Measures

In a tragic incident early Saturday, a high-speed passenger train struck a…
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears look to get payback against Michah Parsons-less Green Bay Packers in NFC North showdown

Caleb Williams and Chicago Bears Aim for Redemption Against Green Bay Packers in NFC North Clash, Benefiting From Micah Parsons’ Absence

CHICAGO — Riding high with a five-game winning streak and victories in…
Everything you need to know about Christmas, and how it has evolved into a global holiday

Unwrapping Christmas: The Fascinating Evolution of a Worldwide Celebration

Christmas, a holiday celebrated by Christians to honor the birth of Jesus…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Teen Among Five Injured in Arlington House Party Shooting Following Heated Argument

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An early morning house party in Jacksonville’s Arlington area…
Parent responsible for lockouts at four Duval schools arrested in Texas, police say

Texas Arrest of Parent Linked to Lockouts at Four Duval Schools, Police Report

A chilling threat made by a parent led to heightened security at…