January 23, 2016 — It’s been a busy and dangerous day for local U.S. Coast Guard crews as they had to respond to a disabled Rhode Island ahead and during winter storm.
Update from US Coast Guard Station Castle Hill:
“Today the crew faced 50 mph winds, up to 14 foot seas and minimal visibility in the blowing snow to ensure the safety of a 50ft fishing vessel off of Block Island. The F/V’s windows had blown out from the waves which was causing water to enter their cabin. They were escorted safely back to Newport. Great job to the crew working in such extreme conditions. Also on scene were a helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod and a 47′ Motor lifeboat from Coast Guard Station Menemsha
(Photo (above) by FN Klingensmith)”
The following information was provided by the United States Coast Guard in a release;
With a major winter storm approaching, Coast Guard crews from Station Menemsha, Massachusetts and Station Castle Hill, Rhode Island, aided a distressed fishing crew about 10 miles east of Block Island, Rhode Island on Saturday.