Family rescued after being stranded on small island off Cape Cod

Published: Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 12:19 am

Family Rescued After Boat Fire Strands Them on Island

WOODS HOLE, Mass. – A family was rescued Wednesday by the Coast Guard after their boat caught fire, forcing them to swim to a small island off Cape Cod. The family, consisting of a mother, father, and son, had been missing since Tuesday evening when they failed to return as planned.

Authorities were alerted when a relative contacted them. A search was initiated by the Coast Guard, along with the Falmouth police and Falmouth Harbormaster. Efforts to reach the family by phone were unsuccessful, with calls going to voicemail.

The family had been anchored between Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, intending to stay throughout the weekend. The Coast Guard reported that the family was awakened by a fire on their 30-foot pleasure boat. The family then swam to a nearby island.

On Wednesday, the son was able to use the boat's marine radio, which had washed up on the island, to issue a mayday call. A Coast Guard helicopter responded, rescuing the family from Naushon Island, the largest of the Elizabeth Islands. They were then transported to a local hospital.

According to the Coast Guard, one family member was in critical condition, while the other two were stable. The Coast Guard emphasized the importance of quick thinking and having quality equipment in the family's survival.

BNN's Perspective: This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with boating and the importance of preparedness. While the family's ordeal is undoubtedly frightening, the fact that they were able to survive and ultimately be rescued is a testament to the effectiveness of the Coast Guard and the resilience of the family. It also underscores the need for boaters to have proper safety equipment and to inform someone of their plans.

Keywords: boat fire, Coast Guard rescue, Naushon Island, Cape Cod, boating accident, family rescue, marine radio, mayday call, Elizabeth Islands, Martha's Vineyard, boat safety, stranded at sea, critical condition, search and rescue.

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