Commercial Fishing Boat Takes on Water 30 Miles Offshore

Originally published: Dec. 18, 2013 at 10:07 p.m.

On Wednesday night, the Coast Guard is towing a commercial fishing vessel back to Montauk that was taking on water about 30 miles south of Montauk Point.

Petty Officer Alissa Flockerzi said the crew aboard Caitlin & Mairead reported the 65-foot trawler was taking on water at about 2:25 p.m. At the time, the four-person crew had engaged pumps, which were keeping up with the water. The boat is registered to David Aripotch. 

They were trying to head back to Montauk, but initially they didn't request assistance, Flockerzi said. The Coast Guard touch based with them every 30 minutes.

At about 5:30 p.m., the crew reported they lost the ability to pump out the water as the engine compartment flooded and they lost power. The water had risen to the deck plate level in the engine room.

The Coast Guard advised them to don their survival suits and personal flotation devices.

"They were very prepared," Flockerzi said. In addition to life rafts, they had an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon device, she said.

Rescuers arrived on scene with dewatering pumps within a half-hour. Coast Guard Station Montauk sent a 47-foot rescue boat and Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod sent a helicopter, which dropped a pump for them to use.

"They were successful in dewatering the space," Flockerzi said.

No injuries were reported.

Coast Guard Station Montauk hooked the boat back up to a tow and were still in the process of towing them on Wednesday evening. Flockerzi said it was expected to take eight or nine hours.