Greenwich Police Rescue Three From Sinking Boat Off Great Captain's Island

GREENWICH, Conn. -- Greenwich police rescued three people from a sinking vessel off the southern coast of Great Captain's Island on Sunday, according to a police report.

Emergency authorities respond to a sinking vessel off the coast of Greenwich.
Photo Credit: *Courtesy of the Greenwich Police Department*

by Eric Gendron

09/30/2013 1:00 p.m.

Two people wearing life jackets swam for the shore when the boat began to sink, while the owner of the vessel stayed on board. The boat's two main through hull bolts securing the transmission to the engine failed, police said.

Marine units from Greenwich, Westchester County, Rye and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the area. In addition, a helicopter from Westchester County Police Department also responded to the scene.

No one was injured, and no violations were reported. The vessel was towed to a private storage company.

Authorities took longer than usual to reach the boat because the boat owner reportedly tried making a "mayday" call on the wrong radio channel.

"All boaters are reminded that VHF Channel 16 is the designated Emergency Channel that is monitored by Police Departments and the USCG," Greenwich police spokesman Lt. Kraig Gray said in a statement. "All calls for help or assistance should be initiated on VHF Channel 16 and can be switched to a nonpriority channel after this initial communication."

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