3 rescued from Massachusetts island after boat fire

FALMOUTH, Mass. (WLNE) — A family of three was rescued off Naushon Island Wednesday after they were stranded for multiple days due to their boat catching fire on Oct. 20, according to the United States Coast Guard.

On Wednesday morning, the Coast Guard was notified of three survivors on the island after receiving a MAYDAY call through the marine radio.

According to the Coast Guard, a mother, father, and son had departed from Falmouth on Oct. 17 on a 30-foot pleasure craft, intending to anchor between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard until their return on Oct. 21.

On Oct. 20, the family awoke to discover the boat on fire, causing them to swim to Naushon Island, where they stayed in a barn for shelter.

The next day, when the three survivors were scheduled to return, a family member reported that the vessel did not come back.

Coast Guard members, Falmouth police, the Falmouth Harbormaster, and Naushon Trust volunteers began searching for the family throughout the night into Wednesday morning.

On Wednesday, the son found the vessel’s marine radio on the beach, which had washed ashore.

Naushon Trust volunteers responded to the island and provided the family with first aid.

A Coast Guard helicopter then transported the three survivors to Cape Cod Hospital for further care.