CAPE MAY — The Coast Guard rescued three fishermen Jan. 31 who were aboard a disabled 72-foot fishing boat 44 miles off the coast of this city.

The Coast Guard received a call at 11:07 a.m. reporting the Cape May-based vessel Errant Venture was overdue from a fishing trip.

Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City diverted a helicopter crew from a routine flight to search for the fishermen.

Once on scene, the crew hoisted two of the men aboard and transported them to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The rescue swimmer remained aboard the boat with the remaining crewmember.

Another helicopter from Air Station Atlantic City arrived on scene and lowered a dewatering pump to the rescue swimmer.

The rescue swimmer was hoisted aboard the helicopter and the aircrew returned to the air station.

The crew of the Cape May-based Coast Guard Cutter Ibis arrived on scene and launched a small-boat crew to the fishing boat.

Once the small-boat crew was aboard they discovered the boat had taken on 400 gallons of water in the stern and was listing seven degrees.

As of mid afternoon, the crew of the Ibis was attempting to control the flooding.