Whale Encounter Capsizes Fishing Vessel Off New Hampshire Coast
RYE, N.H. — In a startling encounter, two occupants of a fishing vessel remain safe after their boat capsized when a whale surfaced underneath it near Odiorne Point State Park on Tuesday, according to information from the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard reported receiving a mayday call regarding a 23-foot center console boat that overturned due to a whale breach.
“The occupants were ejected from the vessel as the boat capsized,” officials stated, highlighting that an urgent marine information broadcast was issued and Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor was dispatched to the scene.
Thanks to the efforts of a good Samaritan, both individuals were recovered from the water without any reported injuries.
Initial assessments by the Coast Guard indicated that the whale appeared to be unharmed. The incident has been reported to the Center of Coastal Studies Marine Animal Hotline and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for further monitoring.
Authorities have also confirmed that the sunken vessel has since been salvaged.
