Four Injured After Coast Guard Boats Collide in Buzzards Bay

Damage to a 29-foot response boat from Maritime Safety and Security Team Cape Cod located on Air Station Cape Cod on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018. U.S. Coast Guard Photo

Two U.S. Coast Guard boat crews collided Wednesday during a training exercises in Buzzards Bay off Falmouth, Massachusetts, injuring four crew members.

The 29-foot tactical boat crews were involved in maneuvers and training when they collide at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Coast Guard reported.

Both boats returned to Station Woods Hole under their own power to meet with Falmouth Emergency Medical Services, who transported the injured to Falmouth Hospital for evaluation.

The injuries were reported as non-life threatening.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

“The safety of our crew is a top priority and we are grateful the injuries were not more serious,” said Lt. Cmdr. Anna Hart, commanding officer of the Maritime Safety and Security Team Cape Cod. “While high-speed and tactical maneuvers are normal operations for our skilled team, we will take the lessons learned today and apply them in our future evolutions.”

MSST Cape Cod consists of 51 service members employing six 29-foot response boats, a remote operated vehicle and additional law enforcement equipment.

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