The Coast Guard assisted two people aboard the 50-foot fishing boat Lois Virginia Thursday after the boat became disabled 31 miles south of Block Island.
The crew aboard Lois Virginia used a VHF-FM radio to contact Coast Guard watchstanders at about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday to report their distress.
The crew aboard the nearby 87-foot fishing boat Sao Paulo overheard the transmission and offered to tow the Lois Virginia into Point Judith, Rhode Island.
The Coast Guard Cutter Hammerhead, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in Woods Hole, diverted to assist, arrived on scene, and escorted both fishing boats.
Additionally, a 45-foot response boat crew from Coast Guard Station Point Judith launched, took over the tow in the vicinity of Block Island, and brought the Lois Virginia the rest of the way to shore.
“Weather conditions were poor, with three to seven foot seas, visibility of less than one mile, and snow falling at times,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin Grant, of Station Point Judith, “It was a collective effort of both our crew and the good Samaritans to bring them home safely.”
A second good Samaritan crew aboard the fishing boat Matador, assisted the Lois Virginia crew with their outriggers once the Lois Virginia was inside Point Judith Harbor.
Sector Southeastern New England has eight Stations, four Cutters, two Aids to Navigation teams, and two Marine Safety Detachment units, including Station Point Judith and the Hammerhead.
