A fishing vessel sank rapidly after encountering a rogue wave while maneuvering to haul lobster traps.
A 406 EPIRB automated distress alert was received at RCC Bermuda from the 34-foot fishing vessel.
The emergency contact confirmed that the vessel was offshore, but they were not sure where exactly.
Other emergency contacts were not reachable.
Attempts to reach the sunken vessel by VHF and cellphone were unsuccessful.
Bermuda Radio issued a VHF broadcast at 12:13 on 23 December 2023.
Two nearby fishing vessels responded and proceeded to the distress location.
A small boat reported seeing a handheld flare, and the RCC watchkeeper also observed smoke from the flare with their binoculars but were unable to determine the exact flare position given the 8-12 foot seas.
Two crew members were recovered from the water at 12:54.
No medical attention was required.
Read more here:
https://bernews.com/2023/12/crew-rescued-after-fishing-vessel-sinks/