Boat Allegedly Hit by Whale Off Block Island; Coast Guard Rescues Five From Vessel
Monday, July 12, 2021
A boat ten miles off of Block Island was allegedly struck by a whale on Sunday — which required the U.S. Coast Guard to come to its assistance with a rescue.
“There was a marine information broadcast to keep a lookout for a potential whale,” said Petty Officer Amanda Wyrick, after receiving reports that the boat, “No Plans,” had been struck by an unidentified object in its hull.
“Command center diverted a MH-60 J-Hawk to respond,” said Wyrick, who noted the Coast Guard did not find any whales in the area.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAccording to Wyrick, five people were safely transferred a 45-foot response boat from Station Point Judith, and the vessel was towed en route.
Witness Account
Dale Denelle was at the scene on Sunday -- where he was able to get photos and drone footage.
"I was out on Sunday because there was no wind; my girlfriend and I went offshore in my 17 foot Boston Whaler. I heard there were tons of whales and dolphins — people were catching tuna," said Denelle, who said there were probably 30-40 boats in the area.
"I then heard the report a boat was taking on water, and then we saw the Coast Guard show up," said Denelle.
It was a friend of a Coast Guard official who told Denelle that one of the "No Plans" crew members hit ended up in the water -- and on a whale.
"One of the guys...fell out of the boat and landed on the whale," said Denelle.
Petty Officer Wyrick said that NOAA is currently handling the investigation.
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