Urgent: Woman, 73, Dies After Cape Cod Boat Fire, Family Rescued
UPDATE: A tragic boat fire off the coast of Cape Cod has claimed the life of Cynthia “Cici” Sullivan, 73, who succumbed to her injuries after being rescued from the flames. The incident unfolded on the night of July 31, 2023, when Cynthia and her family were forced to abandon their burning vessel and swim to safety.
As the fire erupted, the family was jolted awake by barking dogs and the smell of smoke. Tyler Sullivan and his parents, Patrick and Cynthia Sullivan, leapt into the dark waters to escape. They swam towards a nearby island after their boat caught fire while anchored near Naushon Island. Tragically, Cynthia sustained severe injuries and died on August 3, 2023, at a local hospital, as confirmed by the Cape & Islands district attorney’s office.
Patrick Sullivan, who also suffered injuries, is currently in stable condition and recovering without assistance, as stated by family members on Facebook. The family had set sail from Falmouth on Friday, planning to return on Tuesday, when their absence raised concerns. By Tuesday night, the Coast Guard joined local authorities in a search for the missing family.
The search intensified when a distress call was made possible after Tyler found a marine radio on the beach. “Mayday, mayday, mayday! Our ship went down in Tarpaulin’s Cove!” he alerted a dispatcher, detailing their desperate situation. The Coast Guard quickly deployed a helicopter for rescue, successfully airlifting the family to safety.
Following the harrowing incident, Tyler’s brother, Chris Sullivan, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their mother. “We played her some John Mellencamp as she passed, he was her absolute favorite,” he shared on social media. “This hurts more than anything I could have ever imagined.”
Scott Backholm, a search and rescue mission coordinator with the Coast Guard, commended the family’s quick thinking and noted that their preparedness was key to their survival. Chris Sullivan praised his brother for his heroism under pressure, stating, “My brother saved both of them. He doesn’t want to be called a hero, but he is.”
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover more details about the incident. This heartbreaking story highlights the critical importance of safety on the water and the unpredictable nature of maritime conditions.
As the family navigates this tragic loss, the community has rallied around them, showcasing the strength of support during devastating times. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
