Massachusetts Woman Dies After Family Escapes Boat Fire Swimming to Island

Cynthia Sullivan, a 73-year-old Massachusetts woman, tragically died from injuries sustained after escaping a fire on her family's 30-foot powerboat, The Third Wave, which caught fire while anchored near Cape Cod. Along with her husband Patrick and son Tyler, the family was awakened by their dogs and smoke, prompting them to abandon ship and swim to nearby Naushon Island, where they took shelter in a barn for over 24 hours. Tyler found the vessel's marine radio washed ashore and used it to send a Mayday call, leading to a U.S. Coast Guard rescue that airlifted the family to Cape Cod Hospital. Despite medical efforts, Cynthia succumbed to her injuries, while her husband and son survived, with Tyler credited as a hero for his actions during the chaotic escape. The family also lost their dogs in the fire. Cynthia's son Chris memorialized her as a caring and loving grandmother and updated that Patrick was awake and breathing independently after treatment.