164-Foot Super Yacht Rescued By Station Brant Point Crew After Losing Anchor

The 164-foot super yacht “Wanderlust” was rescued by members of Coast Guard Station Brant Point Thursday evening after it lost its port anchor and control of its bow while it was docked at the Nantucket Boat Basin. Station Brant Point master chief John Lowell said the combination of heavy wind and rough seas caused the yacht’s anchors to pull out of the bottom, which led to them setting down towards the yacht next to them.

According to radio communications obtained by the Current of the initial distress call, Coast Guard Sector Southeast out of Woods Hole initially said they wouldn’t be able to assist the nearly 500-ton vessel since Coast Guard Station Brant Point's 47-foot motor lifeboats have a towing limit of 150 tons. That didn’t stop the Station Brant Point crew, which included Chief Rob Munroe, MK2 Patrick Mastriano-Freda, BM3 Grace Lawter, and FA William Dietrich, from leaping into action.

“Our crew decided to accept the mission anyway which speaks even more to the outstanding work by the crew,” Lowell said. “(There was) no hesitancy. We were out all-day training in the weather today and we’ll be back out training again tomorrow. We look forward to the bad weather.”

As the situation was unfolding, Lowell and Harbormaster Sheila Lucey quickly arrived on the scene to assist from the dock, with Lowell yelling out orders over the howling winds to his crew out in the harbor to assist them in any way he could. Lucey, who is also a former master chief of Station Brant Point, said the Coast Guard’s swift actions saved what could have been “a catastrophic situation.”

“We are so lucky to have the skilled crews at Coast Guard Station Brant Point,” Lucey told the Current. “They provided a swift and highly skilled response to the motor yacht Wanderlust at the Boat Basin tonight. Their exceptional boat handling and calm professionalism prevented what could have been a catastrophic situation. The crew’s actions quite literally saved the day, and we are super impressed by their skills. Their dedication and expertise embody the very best of service and commitment to public safety. Much respect.”

Lucey said that, along with losing the port anchor, the yacht’s starboard anchor was dragging. She said the bow thrusters were struggling with the wind, and while they helped, they weren’t strong enough to fight the weather conditions.

Lowell said that if the boat had not been able to be moved, as the winds increased overnight, it would have eventually led to the yacht setting down onto the yacht next to it, potentially damaging both vessels. He said he appreciated the efforts of Lucey and the Boat Basin staff for their calm handling of the situation, which he said was critical to a successful outcome.

As of Thursday night, the Wanderlust was headed north toward Cape Cod.