Coast Guard transfers 17 from grounded schooner

The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(NEW YORK) — A Coast Guard boat crew safely transferred 17 passengers from a grounded schooner near the mouth of the Mystic River in Connecticut on Sunday evening.

At approximately 6:15 p.m., watch standers at Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound Command Center were notified that a 126-foot schooner, Alabama, with 17 passengers and five crew aboard, ran aground near the mouth of the Mystic River.

Sector Long Island Sound watch standers launched a Coast Guard boat crew from Coast Guard Station New London and issued a safety marine information broadcast.

The station boat crew arrived on scene and safely transferred the 17 passengers from Alabama to Noank Shipyard in Groton, Conn.

Sector Long Island Sound marine investigators are scheduled to conduct an investigation to ensure the integrity of the vessel prior to the vessel operating again.

No injuries or pollution have been reported. Plans are being developed to refloat the boat.

By Professional Mariner Staff