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August 9, 2007

Newport fishing boat being rescued by Coast Guard

BOSTON -- U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Seneca is towing a Newport-based fishing vessel with four people aboard after it became disabled last night about 55 miles south of Martha's Vineyard, Mass.

Brian Ohara, the owner of the 72-foot Leviathan, contacted Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England by cell phone at 6:30 p.m. yesterday, saying the boat had experienced an engine casualty and was adrift.

Sector Southeastern New England broadcasted a request on VHF marine radio for vessels in the area to assist the Leviathan, but none responded, according to the Coast Guard. The sector maintained communications with the Leviathan throughout the night.

The 270-foot Seneca, homeported in Boston, arrived on scene about 9:30 a.m. today and plans to tow the Leviathan to Nomans Land, where arrangements will be made to bring the vessel into port, according to the Coast Guard.

"We encourage vessels to have multiple means of communication in case one of them fails to work," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Phillip Jordinelli, the Sector Southeastern New England command center supervisor. "The Leviathan was equipped with a VHF radio, but they were also able to communicate by cell phone."

Posted by Pam Cotter  at 1:18 PM | Permalink

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