Fishing boat rescued from Gloucester shoreline

Two fishing crew members were rescued Saturday after their boat ran aground on a rocky Gloucester beach, fire officials said.

First responders were called at 7:47 p.m. for a 40-foot fishing boat stuck between rocks “in high waves.” The local fire department said in a news release.

The Gloucester Harbor Master and members of the Gloucester Fire and Police Department arrived at 252 Atlantic Road and found a 40-foot boat stuck on rocks about 20 yards from shore. The fire department said two crew members were on board the boat.

First responders called the U.S. Coast Guard, which brought in a 47-foot rescue boat from USCG Station Gloucester. Fire officials said the boat was unable to tow the fishing boat.

During the rescue attempt, 2- to 4-foot waves hit the boat, causing “increasingly significant damage to the vessel’s hull,” the fire department said.

First responders asked crew members to put on “survival suits” before fire crews dropped rescue lines. The crew then used ropes to exit the boat and reach land, fire officials said.

The fire department said the two people on board were unharmed.

“I want to commend the coordinated response by the Gloucester Police, Fire Department and Harbor Master, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Gloucester Mayor Paul Lundberg.