Cape & Islands News

Coast Guard boat capsizes during training 15 miles south of Martha's Vineyard

Coast Guard boat capsizes during training 15 miles south of Martha's Vineyard

(Above a typical PSU boat)"Unfortunately, events like these remind us of the risks associated with Coast Guard training and operations," said Rear Adm. Tom Atkin, Commander of the U.S. Deployable Operations Group.

The Coast Guard reported that it pulled five of its own members from the water Wednesday after their 25-foot response boat submerged while training about 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard.

One member suffered an ankle injury and another showed symptoms of hypothermia.

All five members, assigned to Port Security Unit 301 in Cape Cod, Mass., were recovered by another PSU boat crew conducting training nearby.

The crew was transported to Coast Guard Station Menemsha where they were met at the pier by paramedics.

Coast Guard Cutter Jefferson Island, a 25-foot response boat from Station Menemsha, and a Coast Guard Auxiliary boat are currently on scene with the overturned vessel.

Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England is working on a plan to salvage the swamped vessel.

"Unfortunately, events like these remind us of the risks associated with Coast Guard training and operations," said Rear Adm. Tom Atkin, Commander of the U.S. Deployable Operations Group. "Our teams are trained to operate as safely and efficiently as possible, mitigating risk whenever possible. We will look into this case thoroughly for the benefit of those involved and for all those Guardians operating around the globe."