Coast Guard Locates Boat In 'Distress'
BOSTON (CBS/AP) – A fishing boat thought to be in distress off the coast of Rockport has been found safe.
The 140-foot vessel Retriever from Cape May, New Jersey sent an emergency alert early Monday morning.
The Coast Guard determined the boat's last known position was about six-to-seven miles off the coast of Rockport at 4:20 a.m.
They weren't able to contact the four people on board via phone, radio or email.
So they launched a helicopter, a jet and three cutters to search for the fishing boat.
It turns out a wave set off the fishing vessel's emergency radio beacon.
The Coast Guard said the boat's master was able to contact the owner by cell phone several hours later. The master said the boat lost generator power, making it difficult to communicate earlier.
No one was hurt.
Coast Guard Petty Officer Connie Terrell said weather had been a problem in the area with 25-30 knot winds and 15-foot seas.
The Retriever is now on its way to Portland, Maine.
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