1 Of 3 MA Boaters Rescued After Fire Dies, Fundraiser Underway

MASSACHUSETTS — One of three people who jumped from their burning boat off the coast of Massachusetts has died.

The Coast Guard rescued three people off Naushon Island on Oct. 22.

The Coast Guard received a MAYDAY call from the three survivors on Wednesday morning via marine radio. Volunteers from Naushon Trust administered first aid to the survivors.

A Coast Guard aircrew from Air Station Cape Cod transported them to Cape Cod Hospital for higher care.

However, one of the three family members on board has died, another family member said.

Cici Sullivan was with her husband, Patrick, and their son, Tyler, on board the vessel. An online fundraiser has been launched to help the family.

Find the fundraiser here.

Boat Fire

A concerned family member reported the vessel overdue after it did not return on Tuesday evening.

Coast Guard Station Woods Hole and Coast Guard Cutter Razorbill, Falmouth Police Department, Falmouth Harbormaster and volunteers from Naushon Trust searched throughout Tuesday night and Wednesday morning for the vessel.

Calls to the crew of the vessel went straight to voicemail and cell phone pings could not give an accurate location.

After waking up to a vessel fire Monday night, the family abandoned ship and swam to the nearby island, where they found a barn for shelter.

While walking along the beach, the son located the vessel’s marine radio, which had washed ashore.

The 30-ft pleasure craft THIRD WAVE departed from Eel Pond in Falmouth on Friday with a mother, father and son onboard. They intended to remain anchored between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard throughout the weekend before returning Tuesday afternoon, officials said.

“Quick thinking and having quality equipment allowed the family to survive and call for help,” said Scott Backholm, a search and rescue mission coordinator from Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England. “Mariners are encouraged to pursue first aid training and ensure their vessels are outfitted with proper safety equipment.”