Archive image: A Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod MH-60T Jayhawk aircrew conducts a search and rescue (SAR) demonstration during Fleet Week NYC at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, May 25, 2025.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Breanna Boardman.
WOODS HOLE, Mass. — A Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod MH-60T Jayhawk aircrew conducted the rescue of a family (three boaters) on Naushon Island after vessel fire, Massachusetts. October 22, 2025.
The Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England watchstanders received a MAYDAY call from the three survivors on Wednesday morning via marine radio. Volunteers from Naushon Trust administered first aid to the survivors.
The Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod deployed an MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew to rescue the family and transport them to Cape Cod Hospital for higher care.
A concerned family member reported the vessel overdue after they did not return Tuesday evening. Coast Guard Station Woods Hole and Coast Guard Cutter Razorbill (WPB 87332), Falmouth Police Department, Falmouth Harbormaster and volunteers from Naushon Trust searched throughout Tuesday night and Wednesday morning for the vessel. Calls to the crew of the vessel went straight to voicemail and cell phone pings could not give an accurate location.
After waking up to a vessel fire Monday night, the family abandoned ship and swam to the nearby island, where they found a barn for shelter.
While walking along the beach, the son located the vessel’s marine radio which had washed ashore.
The 30-ft pleasure craft THIRD WAVE departed from Eel Pond in Falmouth on Friday with a mother, father and son onboard. They intended to remain anchored between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard throughout the weekend before returning Tuesday afternoon.
“Quick thinking and having quality equipment allowed the family to survive and call for help,” says Mr. Scott Backholm, a search and rescue mission coordinator from Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England. “Mariners are encouraged to pursue first aid training and ensure their vessels are outfitted with proper safety equipment.”
–USCG–
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