At approximately 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, a Mayday call was broadcast over Marine VHF radio reporting a vessel in distress near the end of Stony Point Dike.
Wareham Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Officers Nicholas Brogioli and Charlie Richards immediately got underway from Onset Harbor. Responding to the rapidly developing emergency were the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Cape Cod Canal Patrol, Wareham Fire Department, Onset Fire Rescue, TowBoatUS Cape Cod/Plymouth, and an additional WDNR patrol boat from the Wareham River.
WDNR and the Army Corps of Engineers were the first emergency responders to reach the vessel, despite rough sea conditions. Approximately one-half mile west of Stony Point Dike, they encountered a 28-foot vessel that was rapidly taking on water.
Working together under challenging conditions, the Army Corps of Engineers and Wareham DNR crews were able to safely remove all three people aboard the sinking vessel.
TowBoatUS Cape Cod immediately placed the vessel in tow. However, because of the rough conditions and the vessel’s already unstable condition, it subsequently overturned.
Fortunately, all three people aboard were safely rescued, accounted for, and reported no injuries.
The individuals aboard the vessel told responding officers that they encountered rough seas while navigating near the end of Stony Point Dike. A large wave came over the bow, swamping the vessel and causing it to rapidly take on water.
Salvage operations remain ongoing with TowBoatUS Cape Cod as crews work to resurface and recover the vessel.
The Wareham Department of Natural Resources would like to recognize all of Wareham’s dedicated first responders, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and TowBoatUS Cape Cod for their immediate and coordinated response to a rapidly deteriorating emergency.
Special recognition is also extended to WDNR Officers Nicholas Brogioli and Charlie Richards, along with the Army Corps of Engineers Patrol Boat crew, for going above and beyond to ensure the safe rescue of the three people aboard.
