Harrowing Coast Guard Rescue: 1 Killed, 2 Saved Off Gloucester

By JASON CLAFFEY (Patch Staff)

One fisherman was killed and two more were rescued after their fishing boat sank off the Gloucester coast.

The Coast Guard said the Orin C became disabled Thursday and was being towed by another boat when a huge wave crashed over and flooded it.

A Coast Guard boat responded and saved two of three men trapped on board. The third man drowned, authorities said.

The name of the victim was not immediately released.

On Thursday at about 3 p.m., a Good Samaritan boat captain piloting the Foxy Lady came across the disabled Orin C, hooked it up for a tow, and called the Coast Guard. The struggle became more desperate when a large wave hit the Orin C.

The Coast Guard arrived and pulled one fisherman to safety, but the boat started sinking quickly so the remaining two fishermen jumped out. One of them was unresponsive when Coast Guard crews pulled the pair to safety. Crews performed CPR on the fisherman for more than an hour but he was pronounced dead when they reached shore.

The Coast Guard said they’re investigating what caused the Orin C to become disabled.

“We’re reminded how dangerous and unforgiving the sea can be,” said Coast Guard Officer Stephen Veda in a statement. “This is a tragic end to a very harrowing case—the effects of which will be felt throughout the entire maritime community for some time.”