Coast Guard Saves 4 From Sinking Boat Off Martha's Vineyard

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA — The Coast Guard rescued four people as their fishing boat sank off Martha's Vineyard Wednesday night. The rescue happened about 18 miles south of the island.

The boat, the Sea Star, started taking on water at about 6 p.m., according to the Coast Guard. The captain radioed the Coast Guard and activated an emergency beacon.

"Their vessel was taking on water, listing heavily, and they were donning their immersion suits," the Coast Guard said in a statement.

A Jayhawk helicopter crew was dispatched to the scene and airlifted the four crew members to safety. They were evaluated and reported to be in good health, the Coast Guard said.

The emergency beacon allowed the Coast Guard to pinpoint the boat's exact location.

"The most important things the crew did was activate their (beacon) and don their immersion suits," Coast Guard Command Duty Officer Scott Backholm said in a statement. "The (beacon) activation allowed us to get their exact location and arrive as quickly as possible, and the suits kept them protected from the cold water."

The water temperature was 37 degrees at the time of the rescue and seas were choppy. The Sea Star sank, the Coast Guard said.

The Coast Guard shared this video of the rescue:

Photo: A Coast Guard helicopter crew rescues boaters off Martha's Vineyard February 14, 2018. (Credit: Coast Guard)