Cape & Islands News

Coast Guard assists in Helicopter crash off Vineyard

Coast Guard assists with helicopter crash near Martha’s Vineyard

The Coast Guard and a good Samaritan responded to a helicopter crash north of Martha's Vineyard, Mass., around 2:23 p.m., June 21, 2008. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England received nearly 15 calls from 911 reporting that a helicopter had crashed about 1,000 yards north of the mouth of Tashmoo Lake. There were four people and two dogs aboard the helicopter, but no injuries were reported. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

The Coast Guard and a good Samaritan responded to a helicopter crash north of Martha’s Vineyard on Saturday. Around 2:10 p.m., Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England received nearly 15 calls from 911 reporting that a helicopter had crashed about 1,000 yards north of the mouth of Tashmoo Lake.

There were four people and two dogs aboard the helicopter, but no injuries were reported.  The Coast Guard immediately issued a marine broadcast over the radio to alert mariners of the crash and to assist if possible.

When the 25-foot and 41-foot boat crews from Coast Guard Station Woods Hole, Mass., arrived on scene a good Samaritan had already pulled all of the passengers and animals from the water.

The passengers and dogs were transported to Black Dog Marina where state police were standing by for further transport to an area hospital.  The passengers were then taken to the hospital and have been released in good condition.

The salvage of the helicopter is being coordinated with Tow Boat U.S. and the helicopter’s owner. The Coast Guard is maintaining a security zone around the over-turned aircraft.

“The good Samaritan played a key role to ensure the safety of all the passengers of the helicopter,” said Ensign Colin McKee, a search-and-rescue controller at Sector Southeastern New England  “The Coast Guard is always grateful whenever a good Samaritan can help with search and rescue efforts.”