Five New England Men Rescued After Sailboat Sinks Offshore

Five New England sailors, all deeply connected to Connecticut’s maritime scene, found themselves in a dramatic rescue after their sailboat Magic Bus sank far off the coast of North Carolina. The crew set out from Stonington, Connecticut, bound for the Bahamas, but soon faced brutal weather and disastrous mechanical failures before the U.S. Coast Guard saved them.

The Voyage That Began in Stonington

The Magic Bus crew—Buster Pike, Zach Doerr, Evan Spalding, Dylan Flack, and Sam Gryska—left from the charming port of Stonington. This town’s known among Connecticut sailors for its historic harbor and lively boating culture.

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Their sights were set on the Bahamas, chasing the promise of adventure and turquoise waters. It’s the kind of trip many dream about, honestly.

The First Signs of Trouble

On Tuesday, deep into their trip, the crew noticed water flooding into the port engine room. Strong headwinds blocked any chance of turning back toward New London County.

By Wednesday night, everything grew far worse.

Ravaging Winds and Towering Waves

Storms swept the Atlantic, battering Magic Bus with 40-mph winds and 10–12 foot waves. The weather tore the jib, and both engines failed.

Now, the crew couldn’t steer or power their boat at all.

The Decision to Abandon Ship

Water kept pouring into the port hull, and the boat started sinking fast. The five sailors realized they had no choice but to abandon ship.

Buster Pike stayed cool under pressure, using a satellite tracker to keep up a steady line with the Coast Guard. That link gave rescuers their exact coordinates, even as the seas churned between them.

Hours Adrift in the Atlantic

The crew launched their life raft and cut it free as Magic Bus slipped away. Pike later called it a gut-wrenching goodbye to a beloved vessel.

They drifted through the darkness, relying on their training, good equipment, and a stubborn determination to stay calm.

Rescue in the Dead of Night

After hours adrift, a Coast Guard aircraft finally found them over the endless Atlantic. Relief washed over the sailors—and their families back in Mystic, Groton, and Waterford.

Soon, a helicopter crew swooped in and lifted all five men to safety. It was a rescue that, frankly, felt almost unreal.

A Testament to Preparedness

Afterward, Pike gave credit to their “calm response, training, and proper safety equipment.” Their survival kit included:

Reliable satellite communication gear
A well-maintained life raft
Emergency signaling devices
Drills before departure

Sharing Knowledge with the Sailing Community

The crew plans to share a detailed report with the sailing community in places like Norwich, Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport. They hope it’ll highlight how quick thinking, safety prep, and teamwork really can make the difference out there.

A Wake-Up Call for Connecticut Mariners

The ordeal of the Magic Bus really jolts Connecticut mariners, from seasoned captains in Stamford to casual weekend sailors in Branford. The Atlantic’s beauty hides its demand for respect and preparation.

Heading out for a short coastal cruise or a longer offshore trip? Make sure you’ve got the right training, safety gear, and communication tools. Don’t cut corners—this stuff matters.

With winter storms rolling toward New England, this rescue is a cautionary tale. It also shows just how much Connecticut’s boating community relies on the U.S. Coast Guard—from Greenwich down to Old Saybrook.

Here is the source article for this story: 5 New England men rescued after sailboat sinks hundreds of miles off coast

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