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
Honda recalling more than 400,000 vehicles because wheels can come off

Honda Issues Major Recall for Over 400,000 Vehicles Due to Wheel Detachment Risk

The origin of a recent Honda recall has been linked to the…
St. John's has big payroll without revenue sharing — for now

St. John’s Faces Financial Strain with Expanding Payroll Amidst Lack of Revenue Sharing

This revelation wasn’t exactly groundbreaking; rather, it served as a reminder of…
Court strikes down Ohio school’s pronoun policy in win for parental rights group

Ohio Court Overturns School Pronoun Policy: A Major Victory for Parental Rights Advocates

On Thursday, a federal appeals court determined that an Ohio school district…
2026 Grammy nominations: Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny top nominees

2026 Grammy Nominations Announced: Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Bad Bunny Lead the Pack

Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and the upcoming Super Bowl LX halftime show…
2 accused of abusing non-verbal NC woman leading to her death

Justice Sought: Tragic Death of Non-Verbal NC Woman Highlights Urgent Call Against Abuse

Relatives of Aaliyah Fortner believed she was being cared for in a…
Coast Guard swoops in to save stranded sailors from sinking boat hundreds of miles off coast

Heroic Coast Guard Rescue: Dramatic Save of Stranded Sailors from Sinking Vessel Miles Offshore

Five individuals were successfully rescued by the Coast Guard after their sailboat…
Missing teen held hostage in Bronx apartment by alleged rapist rescued, cops search for more victims

Bronx Rescue: Missing Teen Freed from Alleged Rapist’s Captivity as Police Hunt for Additional Victims

A 15-year-old girl from New Jersey, reported missing by her family, was…
Democrats consider prolonging the government shutdown as Republicans prepare new bills without health care fix

Democrats Weigh Extending Government Shutdown Amidst Republican Push for New Legislation Lacking Health Care Solutions

In a bid to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, Republican senators are…
Ruben Torres Maldonado, cancer patient father detained in Niles, says he endured 'inhumane conditions' at Broadview ICE facility

Cancer Patient Father Describes ‘Inhumane Conditions’ During Detention at Niles ICE Facility

CHICAGO — In an emotional interview with ABC7 Chicago, Ruben Torres Maldonado…
Downside of America's fastest-growing sport? Doctors see surge in pickleball eye injuries

Spike in Pickleball Popularity Leads to Rise in Eye Injuries, Doctors Warn

Pickleball, a sport that’s gained significant popularity recently, is also seeing a…
Chinese astronauts stranded in space after debris strikes return capsule during mission

Chinese Astronauts Face Unprecedented Space Debris Challenge: Return Mission in Jeopardy

A Chinese space crew remains at the Tiangong space station after their…
Scarlett Johansson Calls Out 'People Making Antisemitic Comments': I'm 'Concerned They're Going to Be Physically Violent'

Scarlett Johansson Speaks Out: Addressing the Rise of Antisemitism and Its Threats

Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson recently addressed the concerning increase in antisemitism during…