Coast Guard monitors grounded passenger sailboat in Maine
Aug 2nd, 2016
BOSTON — The Coast Guard responded to a grounded passenger sailing vessel during the Windjammer Regatta in Somes Sound, Maine, Tuesday afternoon. At about 3:15 p.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Southwest Harbor received a call from the crew aboard the historic 79-foot Schooner American Eagle, homeported in Rockland, Maine, that they ran aground.
A 29-foot response boat crew from Station Southwest Harbor and a Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel were nearby providing safety patrols for the regatta, and they made their way toward American Eagle’s location.
A 47-foot response boat crew also launched from the station, and several good Samaritans joined in the response.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary and several good Samaritan vessels transported the 25 guests safely from the sailboat to a local boat yard. The American Eagle’s crew of five remained aboard with the intent of refloating the boat at about 9 p.m. when high tide arrived.
The Coast Guard will continue to monitor the vessel and crew.
No injuries, pollution, or damage to the vessel were reported.