Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement after the Coast Guard briefed her office on successfully rescuing the four-member crew of the Portland-based fishing vessel Aaron & Melissa II this morning.
“I am so grateful that these four Maine fishermen will be able to go home safely, both because of their own actions and a courageous Coast Guard rescue. The ocean is a dangerous place to make a living, as thousands of Mainers do every day. We are blessed to have the amazing men and women of the Coast Guard who routinely put themselves in harm’s way to answer the call when in need.”
The crew was forced to don survival suits and board a life raft after their vessel began taking on water in rough seas 50 miles south of Rockland. Once finding the raft, a Coast Guard helicopter crew deployed a swimmer and hoisted the fishermen to safety under very challenging conditions. A fixed wing aircraft, ship, and two rescue boats were also en route to the scene before the crew was rescued.
