It takes a lot to punch a hole in a Grady-White. I know. I’ve been on Gradys in all kinds of conditions over a period of many, many years, cruising and fishing on waters as far apart as Florida and Alaska. I’ve also seen how they’re made in the factory in North Carolina; they’re built like battleships. But, according to this story from GoLocal in Providence, Rhode Island, a whale managed to punch a hole in a Grady’s hull about ten miles off Block Island. Read the story here:
Boat Allegedly Hit by Whale Off Block Island; Coast Guard Rescues Five From Vessel
A boat ten miles off of Block Island was allegedly struck by a whale on Sunday — which required the U.S. Coast Guard to come to its assistance with a rescue.
“There was a marine information broadcast to keep a lookout for a potential whale,” said Petty Officer Amanda Wyrick, after receiving reports that the boat, No Plans, had been struck by an unidentified object in its hull.
“Command center diverted a MH-60 J-Hawk to respond,” said Wyrick, who noted the Coast Guard did not find any whales in the area.
According to Wyrick, five people were safely transferred to a 45-foot response boat from Station Point Judith, and the vessel was towed en route.
Witness Account
Dale Denelle was at the scene on Sunday — where he was able to get photos and drone footage.
“I was out on Sunday because there was no wind; my girlfriend and I went offshore in my 17-foot Boston Whaler. I heard there were tons of whales and dolphins — people were catching tuna,” said Denelle, who said there were probably 30-40 boats in the area.
“I then heard the report a boat was taking on water, and then we saw the Coast Guard show up,” said Denelle.
It was a friend of a Coast Guard official who told Denelle that one of the No Plans crew members hit ended up in the water — and on a whale.
“One of the guys…fell out of the boat and landed on the whale,” said Denelle.
Petty Officer Wyrick said that NOAA is currently handling the investigation. Read more:
