Boat Strikes Rocks Near Woods Hole, Prompts Mayday Call: Sheriff

WOODS HOLE, MA — Two officers patrolling on the Barnstable County Sheriff's boat on Monday received a mayday call after two boaters struck rocks in nearby waters, the sheriff's office said.

According to an incident report, the sailing boat Euphoria broadcast that they had struck the rocks in Red Ledge, Woods Hole Pass. The two people on board were wearing life vests, and, according to the report, the U.S. Coast Guard was in contact with them to determine their location.

When officers on the BCSD boat arrived, they found the boaters attempting to maneuver heading away from the rocks and westward through "The Straight". Ocean currents made it difficult to do so, however, due to a damaged rudder and being near aids to navigation, local traffic and rocks.

Officers remained near the boat to insure that no collisions happened, and confirmed with the people on board that no one was injured.

Within roughly 12 minutes, both TowBoat US and Falmouth Harbormaster 106 were on the scene, the report read. TowBoat US established a tow line and moved the boat out of the main channel toward Hadley's Harbor.

An assessment of the damage revealed a bent rudder post making steering control impossible. The boaters requested to be towed back to Falmouth Harbor for repairs.

Officers provided a safety escort through Woods Hole due to the heavy currents and boat traffic, they said. TowBoat US towed Euphoria back to Falmouth Harbor without further incident.