Dave Portnoy’s Yacht Drifts into Trouble in Nantucket Harbor, Coast Guard to the Rescue

Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy experienced a boating mishap on Monday as his 28-foot yacht drifted out of Nantucket Harbor. The U.S. Coast Guard, stationed nearby, intervened to assist after Portnoy’s vessel broke free from its mooring and lost power.

The incident began when the Coast Guard received a report about Portnoy’s yacht drifting through the harbor. According to Petty Officer 2nd Class Diolanda Ballero, the vessel was seen adrift, and Portnoy was aboard, unable to steer or call for help due to a power failure.

Portnoy, who documented the incident on social media, humorously described his misadventure. He admitted to making a critical mistake by unhooking the boat from the buoy before ensuring it was operational and lamented his failed attempt to signal for help with a flare gun.

A local boater noticed Portnoy’s distress and contacted the Coast Guard on his own radio. Brant Point Coast Guard personnel, who were in the area for training, responded promptly and towed the yacht back to its mooring. Ballero described the rescue as a routine tow and emphasized the importance of proper boating training and preparedness.

Portnoy, acknowledging his limited experience as a boat captain, expressed his reluctance to venture out again, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of the sea.