Coast Guard Rescued Fisherman Near Wood Island
A mariner was hoisted to safety after his 23-foot fishing vessel ran aground on rocks late Wednesday night.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Emergency Response
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a commercial fisherman from Wood Island after his 23-foot vessel, The Last One, struck rocks. The mariner was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for a medical evaluation following the late-night operation.
Why it matters
The successful rescue highlights the critical role of emergency beacon technology in alerting responders to maritime distress. Timely intervention by the Coast Guard and civilian support ensured the safety of the individual after the vessel became disabled.
The incident involved a 23-foot fishing vessel that grounded on rocks near Wood Island. Response times reached a critical point at 9:35 p.m. when the rescue boat arrived, exactly 20 minutes after a good Samaritan first located the craft.
The players
U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard is the maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement branch of the United States Armed Forces.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.
The details
After receiving an EPIRB distress signal at 8:17 p.m., the Coast Guard dispatched a rescue boat and a helicopter to the scene near Wood Island. The helicopter crew ultimately performed a hoist operation to extract the mariner from the island before his transport to the hospital at 11:11 p.m.
Timeline
8:17 p.m.: The Coast Guard received the initial EPIRB alert.
8:39 p.m.: A rescue boat was launched to assist the grounded vessel.
9:15 p.m.: A good Samaritan located The Last One near the rocks.
9:35 p.m.: The Coast Guard rescue boat arrived at the incident site.
11:11 p.m.: The mariner was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital.
Seasonal Patterns
This rescue operation follows the established rapid-response protocols developed in the wake of the 1991 Perfect Storm maritime search and rescue protocols. Such incidents reflect the ongoing risks posed to small vessels navigating rocky coastal waters during late-season conditions.
Boaters in the area should ensure their EPIRB devices are registered and functional before leaving port. Residents near coastal rocks should report any visible distress signals to local authorities immediately to facilitate rapid deployment of rescue assets.
The takeaway
Maintaining active emergency beacon registration is essential for ensuring a swift response during maritime accidents. Mariners should verify all safety equipment before departure to minimize risks when traversing hazardous coastal zones.
Further reading
For more information on local maritime safety, visit the Emergency Response section.
