Fire Engulfs Fishing Vessel off US Coast, Six Rescued Safely

Six people were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after their fishing vessel, the Three Girls, caught fire and they were forced to abandon ship 105 nautical miles east of Portsmouth, New Hampshire on August 11, 2024. The Coast Guard received a distress call from the vessel, prompting a swift response. The crew of the 81-foot trawler, including the captain, a NOAA observer, and four crew members, were all safely rescued and transferred to a pier in South Portland, Maine the following morning.

The Coast Guard Sector Northern New England command center received a mayday call from the Three Girls reporting the fire and the imminent need to abandon ship. The Coast Guard quickly dispatched the USCGC William Chadwick, along with aircrews from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, to provide assistance. All six survivors were found on a life raft and were successfully recovered by the Coast Guard assets without any major injuries reported.

Lt. Cmdr. Brent Lane, commanding officer of the USCGC William Chadwick, commended his crew for their swift and professional response to the rescue operation. He emphasized the importance of proper safety equipment and preparation in such emergencies. The successful rescue of the crew of the Three Girls serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of the Coast Guard in ensuring the safety of mariners in distress.

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