Woman Dies After 30-Hour Stranding on Island Following Boat Fire
A tragic event unfolded recently when a woman perished after being stranded on Naushon Island for over 30 hours following a fire aboard her family’s boat. The incident began when Cynthia Sullivan, her husband Patrick, and their son Tyler attempted to navigate their 33-foot Chris Craft named Third Wave. They set sail from Eel Pond in Falmouth on Friday, October 17.
Incident Details
On the morning of October 17, Tyler was awakened by the sound of their dogs barking. He discovered that their boat was engulfed in flames. Despite attempts to extinguish the fire, it quickly spread. Tyler managed to rescue both parents, swimming his mother to safety before returning for his father, who was struggling to stay afloat.
Emergency Response
- Time of Mayday Call: 7:09 a.m., October 18.
- Location: Tarpaulin Cove, Naushon Island.
- Coast Guard Response: Airlifted the family at 9:13 a.m., October 18.
- Destination: Cape Cod Hospital.
During the ordeal, Cynthia suffered from smoke inhalation and was in critical condition. Patrick was also severely burned and was later treated in Boston. Fortunately, Tyler was awake and able to communicate with rescue teams.
Community Support
The Naushon Trust, which manages Naushon Island, expedited a rescue operation after receiving a distress signal. They coordinated the evacuation efforts with the Coast Guard and provided initial medical assistance to the family.
Anne Morse, managing trustee of the Naushon Trust, expressed condolences regarding Cynthia Sullivan’s passing. A GoFundMe page was established to assist with funeral expenses, raising approximately $14,500 within days.
Investigation and Aftermath
The U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the boat fire and subsequent rescue efforts. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced while boating, even in familiar areas.
As the Sullivan family copes with this devastating loss, they also remember the precious moments spent together on the water. Community support continues to pour in, reflecting the bond that holds together those affected by this heartbreaking incident.
