Cape Cod Sailor Rescued After Fog, Heavy Rains Cause Fall

CAPE COD, MA — Barnstable County Sheriff's officers rescued a sailor who fell into the water while sailing in dangerous weather conditions.

The crew on the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office patrol boat, S300, received a distress call on Monday at 11:50 a.m. BCSO Lt. John Doherty and Mashpee Police Officer Ben Tamash, who were operating the boat, made contact with the US Coast Guard and immediately made their way toward Chappaquiddick, where the overboard call originated.

The sailor was found 1.6 nautical miles away from where he fell in. Once his location was established, officers were able to pull him out of the water and onto their boat.

Officials say dangerous weather conditions contributed to the fall, including fog, driving rain and rough seas.

"These two officers should be commended for their quick thinking and fast actions in their duty to help keep a member of our Cape Cod community safe," the sheriff's department said, in a statement.