Even worse than the Gilligan's Island story line the Sullivan family took off from Cape Cod last Friday for a weekend of boating fun on their 30 foot boat "The Third Wave". Mom Terry, Dad Patrick and their 2 sons Brian and Tyler were going to spend a long weekend on the water fishing, swimming and just enjoying their family. Somehow when they were sleeping Sunday night the boat caught fire. WCVB-TV reports that family all experienced burns from the fire and then had to swim to an island. There was no way anyone would know there was even a problem as they weren't expected back for another 18 hours. Tyler suffered third-degree burns on his arm, Patrick had 2nd degree and 3rd degree burns over much of his body. Thankfully there was an abandoned barn on the island that gave them shelter from the elements. They were there for almost 2 days!
The Coast Guard began a search Tuesday for the family, but it wasn't till Wednesday morning when a small miracle happened. The radio from their boat washed up on the shore and despite days in the ocean it still worked! "Our ship burned while we were sleeping. We barely escaped," was how Brian Sullivan's frantic mayday call went. The Coast Guard said "Quick thinking and having quality equipment allowed the family to survive and call for help".
Cynthia and Tyler Sullivan were taken to Cape Cod Hospital, while Patrick Sullivan was flown to Boston to be treated for his more severe injuries. Tyler suffered third-degree burns on his arm but is in stable condition. The family also suffered smoke inhalation, burns, and exposure, according to Hyannis Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Lamothe.