The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(NEW YORK) — A Coast Guard rescue helicopter crew rescued a man from a tug boat that ran aground south of Fishers Island at approximately 8 a.m. today.
The helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod responded after a rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station New London and TowBoatUS arrived on scene, but could not reach the man due to the shallow water depth.
“The master of the 50-foot black and red tug boat ran aground on the rocks south of island and punched a good-sized hole in his hull,†said Lt. Bobbie-Jean Felix, Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound’s command duty officer. “Initially, it was reported the boat was taking on water so fast the boat’s bilge pumps couldn’t keep up.â€
The man was hoisted by the helicopter crew at approximately 10 a.m. and was taken to Groton Airport. The man was not injured in the incident and declined medical attention.
The boat is currently aground in about two feet of water.
The boat is currently aground in about two feet of water.
