What began as a serene family retreat on the waters off Cape Cod ended in unimaginable tragedy when a late-night fire engulfed the Sullivan family’s boat, forcing them to leap into the cold Atlantic and swim for their lives. Seventy-three-year-old Cynthia “Cici” Sullivan, a beloved wife and mother, suffered severe injuries in the fire and passed away days later despite valiant rescue efforts and the family’s desperate fight for survival. The horrifying sequence of events — from the first flickers of smoke to the harrowing rescue on a remote island — has gripped the Massachusetts boating community and sparked an ongoing investigation into what caused the blaze.
A Peaceful Weekend Turns Into a Nightmare
For Patrick and Cynthia “Cici” Sullivan and their adult son, Tyler, the weekend had promised peace and simplicity. Having departed Falmouth on Friday, the family anchored near Naushon Island — a tranquil, privately owned island nestled among the chain of Elizabeth Islands between the Massachusetts mainland and Martha’s Vineyard. The Sullivans, seasoned boaters familiar with the Cape’s unpredictable conditions, intended to spend a long weekend enjoying calm seas before returning home on Tuesday.
On Monday night, as they slept aboard their vessel, their quiet rest was violently interrupted. Tyler Sullivan recalled being jolted awake by their dogs barking, the distant crackle of fireworks, and the unmistakable smell of smoke. Within moments, the sound of alarms was replaced by chaos — flames racing through the cabin, thick black smoke filling the air, and the once-safe haven of their anchored boat becoming a deadly inferno.
Realizing that escape was their only option, the family plunged into the dark, frigid waters surrounding Naushon Island. With only the faint light of the burning boat illuminating their path, they swam toward the nearest visible shoreline. The currents off Cape Cod can be treacherous even in daylight, but the Sullivans pressed forward, desperate to reach land. Tyler and his father, Patrick, managed to stay together in the water, while Cynthia — already injured — struggled against the cold and exhaustion. The family’s survival that night owed much to quick thinking, instinct, and sheer determination.
🇺🇸 On Tuesday a fire broke out overnight aboard a 30-foot powerboat anchored off Massachusetts.
— Info Connect (@infoconnectnow) October 25, 2025
The family’s dog barked, alerting Cynthia Sullivan, her husband, and their son to the blaze.
They swam to Naushon Island and sheltered in a barn for over 24 hours pic.twitter.com/F2I8J2R5p5
Once they finally reached the rocky edge of Naushon Island, exhausted and shivering, the Sullivans searched for shelter. They found refuge in a small barn near a farmhouse and took cover inside, tending to their burns and injuries as best they could in the pitch-black isolation. The island, though not far from civilization, might as well have been deserted in that moment — no cell signal, no light, and no way to call for help.
Desperate Search and Miraculous Rescue
When the Sullivans failed to return to Falmouth by Tuesday evening, concern quickly turned into alarm. Family members, unable to reach them, notified local authorities, prompting a joint search by the U.S. Coast Guard and nearby mariners. Broadcast alerts went out across the region, urging all vessels to keep watch for the missing family and their destroyed boat. “Mariners are requested to keep a sharp lookout and assist if possible,” the Coast Guard’s alert announced, reflecting the growing urgency of the search.
For two days, the Sullivans remained stranded on Naushon Island, cold, injured, and unsure if anyone knew where they were. Hope began to fade until Tyler Sullivan discovered a piece of marine equipment that would change everything — a radio that had washed up on the beach, possibly thrown clear from their burning vessel. Using it, he managed to reach the Coast Guard with a desperate distress call that would later make headlines.
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“Mayday, mayday, mayday! Our ship went down in Tarpaulin’s Cove!” Tyler’s voice crackled over the radio waves. “Our ship burned while we were sleeping and we barely escaped!” He explained that his parents were injured and that they had taken shelter at a farmhouse nearby. The Coast Guard dispatcher, upon hearing the transmission, immediately began coordinating a helicopter rescue, asking about their medical conditions and ability to move.
Within hours, a Coast Guard helicopter was dispatched to Naushon Island. The aircraft, operated by a crew from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, spotted the stranded family and landed to retrieve them. Photographs from the scene show the helicopter hovering above the island, a dramatic symbol of relief and survival after nearly forty-eight hours of uncertainty.
Tyler, Patrick, and Cynthia were airlifted to a local hospital for treatment. Patrick suffered injuries but was reported to be conscious and breathing on his own. Cynthia’s condition, however, was grave. Initially listed as critical but stable, she later succumbed to her injuries, passing away on Thursday despite intensive medical care. Her death marked a heartbreaking end to what began as a cherished family getaway.
Family Grief, Community Support, and Ongoing Investigation
The days following Cynthia “Cici” Sullivan’s passing have been filled with grief, reflection, and gratitude for the bravery shown in the face of disaster. Chris Sullivan, Cynthia’s other son, shared emotional messages on social media, honoring his mother’s life and expressing deep appreciation for the efforts that saved his father and brother. “We played her some John Mellencamp as she passed, he was her absolute favorite,” Chris wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“This hurts more than anything I could have ever imagined, but I am leaning on my close friends and family and my two young children. We will get through this together.” He also credited his brother Tyler with saving both parents during the chaos aboard the burning vessel. “My brother saved both of them — he got them off the boat under extremely chaotic circumstances,” Chris said. “He doesn’t want to be called a hero, but he is.”
The U.S. Coast Guard echoed that sentiment in its own statements. Scott Backholm, a search and rescue mission coordinator with Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, commended the family’s response under pressure. “Quick thinking and having quality equipment allowed the family to survive and call for help,” Backholm said. The Coast Guard also emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness — including functioning marine radios, fire extinguishers, and safety drills — as critical factors that can mean the difference between life and death at sea.
Authorities have since launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze. Preliminary assessments suggest that the fire began while the family was asleep, though officials have not yet determined whether it originated from an electrical fault, fuel leak, or other onboard malfunction. Investigators are reportedly examining the boat’s remains, along with maintenance records and safety equipment, to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy.
Naushon Island, where the Sullivans took shelter, is part of the Forbes family’s private holdings and is largely uninhabited. Its remoteness, while providing seclusion for boaters, also poses challenges for rescue operations — a fact underscored by the Sullivans’ ordeal. The island’s rocky shoreline and limited access routes can make it difficult for ground responders to reach stranded individuals, especially at night or in inclement weather.
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As word of the tragedy spread, members of the Cape Cod boating community expressed shock and sorrow. Many local mariners have described Cynthia as a kind and adventurous woman who loved the ocean and spent countless summers exploring Massachusetts’ coastal waters with her family. Friends recalled her warm smile, her love of music — particularly John Mellencamp — and her unwavering devotion to her husband and sons.
The Sullivan family’s ordeal has also renewed conversations about boating safety and the unpredictable nature of life at sea. Even experienced sailors, experts note, can face unforeseen dangers such as fires, storms, or equipment failures. The U.S. Coast Guard regularly urges boaters to inspect all electrical systems, fuel lines, and safety gear before every trip — precautions that, while routine, can prevent catastrophic incidents.
In communities along the Massachusetts coast, residents have come together to support the surviving family members. Local organizations and churches have begun coordinating outreach efforts, offering meals, temporary lodging, and counseling services. Neighbors in Falmouth and nearby towns have also organized informal gatherings to honor Cynthia’s memory, sharing stories about her kindness and generosity.
While investigators continue to analyze the wreckage, the surviving members of the Sullivan family face a long emotional and physical recovery. Patrick Sullivan remains hospitalized but is reportedly improving. Tyler, hailed as the family’s savior, has largely avoided public attention, focusing instead on supporting his father and grieving the loss of his mother. The family’s strength and unity throughout the crisis have drawn admiration from friends, rescuers, and strangers alike.
The image of the Coast Guard helicopter approaching Naushon Island — captured in an official photograph released by the agency — has since come to symbolize both hope and heartbreak. Against the backdrop of rugged terrain and open sea, it reminds onlookers of the fragility of human life in nature’s vast expanse and the resilience of those who refuse to surrender to despair.
As one rescuer later reflected, “They did everything right when everything went wrong.”
In the end, the story of Cynthia “Cici” Sullivan is one of courage amid catastrophe — a testament to the enduring power of family and the will to survive. Her final hours, surrounded by loved ones and serenaded by her favorite music, reflected the grace and strength she carried throughout her life. Though her loss has left an unfillable void, her legacy endures in the lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the hearts of a community forever changed by her story.