Family Rescued After Being Stranded for Two Days on Island Off Cape Cod When Boat Caught on Fire 

Family Rescued After Being Stranded for Two Days on Island Off Cape Cod When Boat Caught on Fire

A family of three found themselves in a harrowing situation when their boat caught on fire off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The Sullivans were rescued and hospitalized on Wednesday, October 22 after being stranded on Naushon Island. The United States Coast Guard reported that volunteers from the Naushon Trust, which owns the island, located the family and administered emergency first aid. The family had been missing for nearly two days and had sought shelter in a barn on the island before help arrived. The Coast Guard conducted an airlift to transport the family to a local hospital, according to local ABC affiliate WCVB.

Cynthia and Tyler Sullivan are currently receiving treatment at Cape Cod Hospital, while Patrick Sullivan, Cynthia’s husband and Tyler’s father, was flown to the burn unit at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Tyler suffered third-degree burns on his arm but is in stable condition. Upon rescue, the family members were found to have suffered from smoke inhalation, burns, and exposure. Hyannis Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Lamothe conveyed to the Cape Cod Times the extent of their injuries.

The ordeal began when the family’s 30-foot boat caught fire, forcing them to abandon ship and swim to the safety of the shore. Their absence was noted when they failed to return home as planned on the evening of Tuesday, October 21, prompting a relative to contact authorities. Scott Backholm, a search and rescue mission coordinator from Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, commended the family’s resourcefulness and the effectiveness of their emergency equipment in ensuring their survival and ability to seek help.

The Coast Guard revealed that the family had intended to anchor between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard for the weekend. Setting sail from Eel Pond near Falmouth, Massachusetts on October 17, their boat, named the Third Wave, unexpectedly became the site of their frightening ordeal. Naushon Island, part of the Elizabeth Islands chain situated between Buzzards Bay and Martha’s Vineyard, remains largely privately owned despite being a functioning part of the town of Gosnold. The Globe reported that public access to certain areas of the island is restricted.

Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the unpredictable and often perilous nature of maritime activities, even in familiar waters. The swift and coordinated response of the Naushon Trust volunteers, the Coast Guard, and medical personnel undoubtedly played a crucial role in the successful rescue and treatment of the Sullivan family. The resilience and quick thinking exhibited by the family in the face of such a traumatic event are commendable and highlight the importance of preparedness and emergency response training for all boaters.

As the Sullivans continue their recovery, authorities are likely to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the boat fire to prevent similar incidents in the future. The close-knit community of Cape Cod has rallied around the family, offering support and well wishes during this challenging time. Efforts to enhance safety protocols and raise awareness about emergency procedures at sea may result from this incident, contributing to a safer boating environment for all enthusiasts in the region.

In a world where headlines often highlight tragedies and misfortunes, stories of rescue and survival such as this serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The incredible teamwork and determination exhibited by the rescue teams involved in this operation underscore the invaluable role of emergency services in safeguarding lives and ensuring timely assistance in times of crisis. The Sullivan family’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in maritime activities but also showcases the power of courage, community, and compassion in overcoming adversity.