Coast Guard hoists boaters from yacht fire Friday near Fisherman's Island, VA

united states coast guard 

News Release  

May 26, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 434-7712

Coast Guard hoisted boaters from yacht fire Friday near Fisherman's Island, VA

 

The Delgatie is anchored at Station Cape Charles Friday, May 26, 2017. The two boaters were hoisted from the 50-foot vessel and taken to Base Portsmouth to be assessed for injuries. (Photo courtesy of Station Cape Charles/Released)

Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City hoisted two boaters from a yacht that was on fire near Fisherman's Island today.

Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders were notified by the boaters through VHF channel 16 radio that the 50-foot yacht Delgatie was on fire and the boaters needed assistance.

Sector Hampton Roads requested the diversion of the MH-60 Jayhawk crew and the launch of two 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crews from Station Little Creek and Station Cape Charles. A Virginia Beach Fire Department fireboat crew and a York County Fire Department boat crew also responded.

The MH-60 crew hoisted the two people from the yacht and transported them to Coast Guard Base Portsmouth to be assessed for injuries. A Virginia Beach Fire Department fireboat crew and the Coast Guard crews remained on the scene to extinguish the fire. 

"Our relationships with other response agencies allowed us to successfully work together to assist the boaters and bring them to safety," said Petty Officer First Class Brian R. Richardson of Sector Hampton Roads. "The boaters did everything right; they used their radio, and it led to their rescue."

The yacht is currently anchored and owners are working to salvage the vessel. 

 

-USCG-