Coast Guard medically evacuates two fishermen following boat explosion near Savannah, Ga.

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Coast Guard medically evacuated two fishermen from St. Catherines Island, Ga., Wednesday, after it was reported that an explosion had occurred aboard a commercial fishing vessel.

Rescued are Alvin Floyd and John Hodges. Age and hometowns are unknown.

Operational watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Charleston, S.C., were notified at 8:28 a.m., Wednesday, of a report of an explosion aboard a 23-foot commercial fishing vessel near the south end of St. Catherines Island approximately 30-miles south of Savannah.

A good Samaritan vessel recued the two boaters and transferred them ashore until Coast Guard rescue crews arrived on scene. Two Coast Guard Air Station Savannah HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crews arrived on scene at 9:49 a.m. and transported the victims to Savannah Memorial Hospital.

The cause of the explosion is unknown. Good Samaritan vessels have reported that the 23-foot commercial fishing vessel sunk approximately 1,000 feet off shore.

Pollution specialists from Marine Safety Unit Savannah are en-route to investigate.

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