How did the victim get hoisted onto the deck: He was hoisted aboard by hand by the sailing staff, Barry Brooks & Mark LaLiberte & Farley Doucette of the M/V Islander double ended ferry.
Was any injury sustained by the victim:  Y
Was a PFD worn: Y
Was this day or night:  day
Wind speed: 15-20 knots
Wave height: 1-2 feet
Water temperature: 70 ish
Air temperature:  80 ish
How much time did the victim spend in the water: Up to 5 minutes in the water, 45-60 seconds being dragged under water.
Did the victims boat lose site of the victim: yes
Was a rescue swimmer put in the water:   see above
Was the victim able to help in the recovery:  N
Rescuing Crews Names:
Jessica Malkin
David Meleney
Julia Reeve
Others on board:
Patrick Malloy, Fleet Captain, Vigilant II Skipper;
Julia Reeve, Sailing Instructor, Program Head:
Jessica Malkin, Sailing Instructor, Beginner Class;
David Meleney, Junior Sailing Instructor.

Nominators Name:  Dorothy Pitt
Event Name: Beginner Sailing Class
Sponsoring Yacht Club:  Vineyard Haven Yacht Club
Date of Event:    8/4/2003
Event City: Vineyard Haven
Event State:      MA
Date of Incident: 8/4/2003
Body of Water:    Vineyard Haven Harbor
First Victims Name:     Barry Brooks
First Boat Name:  M/V Islander
First Boat Make Model:  double ended ferry
Second Victims Name:    Mark LaLiberte
Second Boat Name: M/V Islander
Second Boat Make Model: double ended ferry
Third Victims Name:     Farley Doucette
Third Boat Name:  M/V Islander
Third Boat Make Model:  double ended ferry
Rescuing Skipper: Patrick Malloy
Rescuing Boat Make Model:   Wasque 32
Rescuing Boat Name:    Vigilant II
Rescuing Boat Length:  32'
Release:    Ok to release to public

What was the nature of this incident:    A man overboard drill performed by the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket Steamship Authority ended up in near catastrophe.
Did a Mayday call go out:    no
Who responded: Was any injury sustained by the victim:  Y
Can your story be published: Y
Can you provide articles about this event:    Y
Was a PFD worn:   Y
What position was the victim working before they went in: He was trying to start the inflatable engine.
Was this day or night:  day
Wind speed: 5-10 knots
Wave height: 1-2 feet
Water temperature:      70 ish
Air temperature:  80 ish
How much time did the victim spend in the water:    Up to 5 minutes in the water, 45-60 seconds being dragged under water.
Did the victims boat lose site of the victim: yes
What search pattern was used:      n/a
Was electronic MOB function used to locate the victim:    N
Was a rescue swimmer put in the water:   see above
Did the victim have a strobe light or whistle:      not sure
What color clothes were visible above the water:    blue
Was the victim able to help in the recovery:  N
Was a Lifesling aboard: n
Was it used:      n
Rescuing Crews Names:
Jessica Malkin
David Meleney
Julia Reeve

What happened: On August 4, 2003 in a Beginner Sailing Class at Vineyard Haven Yacht Club in Vineyard Haven Harbor in Vineyard Haven, MA, the students were heading out on a Wasque 32, named Vigilant II for a motoring experience as it was too windy to sail when they saw the ferry Islander leaving the harbor.  The students, ages 8-10, like to wave to the passengers.  Vigilant II drew closer to the Islander so the children could wave.  As they approached the Islander, the Instructors saw an inflatable boat being lowered over the side of the Islander and realized that the ferry crew was going to perform a man overboard drill, so Vigilant II Captain Patrick Malloy pulled up within a safe distance, yet close enough to allow the children to witness the drill.  The inflatable was lowered over the side and brought to within a foot of the water when two crewmen came aboard.  The two men aboard the inflatable had some trouble starting the outboard engine.  As the inflatable hit the water it was still attached to the lines from the davits.  The movement of the Islander caused the inflatable to flip over, sending both men into the water.  They popped up fairly quickly, but were sucked under the Islander again.  The two crewmen were pushed out astern of the Islander, but only one was visible. 

Vigilant II headed for the first victim and he was hauled aboard by the Instructors and taken below for observation.  Next, they directed the Vigilant II Captain to where they thought the second victim may be and in fact his leg was fouled in a line and he was being dragged about 12" below the surface of the water. 

Mr. LaLiberte jumped back into the water to help Mr. Brooks.  At about the same time a passenger on the Islander, Mr. Doucette, jumped into the water to help Mr. Brooks.  Mr. Brooks' legs were untangled and all three men were hauled aboard the Vigilant.  Mr. Brooks was unconscious and had foam coming from his mouth.  David Meleney helped to get Mr. Brooks breathing again.  The crew aboard the Vigilant radioed ashore for an ambulance to meet them at the dock closest to them as well as to the  Martha's Vineyard Hospital.  When they arrived at the dock, Jessica went to the street and hailed the ambulance.  The emt's took over and took both crew members to the Martha's Vineyard Hospital.  Mr. brooks was subsequently airlifted to a Providence hospital where he spent the better part of a week recovering.  Mr. Laliberte was released.  A vhyc member who just happened to be standing at the dock where they brought the victims remarked on how professional these young people were.  The vhyc flag officers, manager, and members are very proud of the staff who performed flawlessly under pressure.  It is testimony to their training and to their poise in an emergency situation.  Mr. Brooks was hospitalized for near drowning.

What type of injuries, hypothermia included: Mr. Brooks was hospitalized for near drowning.

How did the victim get hoisted onto the deck: He was hoisted aboard by hand by the sailing staff