Fisherman rescued after vessel sinks

Published: November 26, 2005 | 2832nd good news item since 2003

A 60-year-old fisherman was rescued at sea after his vessel caught fire and sank 12 miles southeast of Gloucester on Saturday morning, the Coast Guard said.

John Sanfilippo, of Gloucester, suffered second- and third-degree burns on his face after the engine fire aboard Giovana, a 40-foot wooden dragger, according to the Coast Guard.

Sanfilippo had donned a survival suit and abandoned ship around 9:15 a.m. A Good Samaritan vessel, the Carla Maria, picked him up. The Giovana sank before the arrival of Coast Guard rescue ships. [The Coast Guard]

The Coast Guard transported Sanfilippo to shore, where an awaiting ambulance took him to Beverly Hospital.

Coast Guard officials said Sanfilippo was in stable condition.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Published in Rescues
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