Video Shows Dramatic Helicopter Rescue of 4 R.I. Lobstermen As Boat Sinks

The Coast Guard on Thursday released a dramatic video of the helicopter rescue of four Rhode Island lobstermen.

The crew of the the 60-foot Sakonnet Lobster sent out a distress signal at about 4:15 a.m. after the boat took on water. The crew put on survival suits and abandoned ship.

A Jayhawk helicopter was dispatched and rescuers plucked the crew members to safety. None of them were hurt.

“They are very lucky,” said Coast Guard Lt. Matt Vanderslice in a statement. “They had all the right gear onboard, it worked, and they knew how to use it. That’s why they’re safely back on land today.”

The rescue happened about 40 miles south of Block Island. The boat sank, the Coast Guard said.

Photo credit: Coast Guard

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