U.S. Coast Guard Rescues 6 After Mayday Call from Burning Fishing Vessel

On Sunday August 11^th, 2024, at 8:56 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern New England command center watchstanders received a mayday call from the F/V THREE GIRLS stating that the vessel was on fire, and all aboard were preparing to abandon ship. The vessel was located about 105 nautical miles east of Portsmouth, New Hampshire at the time of the incident.

The First Coast Guard District command center also received an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) alert from the vessel. The trawler was carrying six people, including a NOAA fishery observer.

At 9 p.m., Sector Northern New England diverted the USCGC William Chadwick, a fast response cutter, to respond. An MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew and a HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew from the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod was also launched in an effort to provide aerial support.

At 10:30 p.m., all U.S. Coast Guard resources along with the F/V THREE GIRL’S sister ship the F/V PRINCESS LAURA, arrived on the scene. Six people were aboard a life raft. The William Chadwick launched their small boat to recover the survivors while the MH-60 Jayhawk waited on standby in case medical care was needed. All six crew members were taken aboard the cutter at 11:30 p.m. and brought to a pier in South Portland, Maine.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our crew’s swift response in this rescue,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brent Lane, USCGC William Chadwick commanding officer. “Their dedication and skill were crucial to the successful outcome, but it’s also a stark reminder of the importance of having the right safety equipment at all times. This rescue highlights that preparation and proper gear are as vital as the bravery and professionalism our team consistently displays.”

This incident is a good reminder to all those who work at sea to make certain that immersion suits, EPIRBs, life rafts, and other safety gear are in good repair and working order. Your life depends on it.