portsmouth nh party cruises

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Isles of Shoals Steamship Company

Romance Wedding Package includes the following: - Scenic 4 hour private cruise aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton - Your choice of savory Romance Wedding Menu Option - Custom made three-tier wedding cake with your choice of exquisite flavors and fillings - Professional disc jockey service with an extensive music library - Tabletop bud vases containing the freshest seasonal flowers and greenery coordinated to your color scheme - Crisp white table linens and napkins - Celebratory Champagne Toast - Complimentary Nautical Life Ring “Guestbook” - Convenient dockside parking for you and your guests - Two full service pay as you go bars (open bar options available) - Professional Vessel and Catering staff - Personal Cruise Director to organize all details of your wedding including the wedding rehearsal

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Enjoy Summer Party Cruises With the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company in Portsmouth, NH

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Just close your eyes and imagine: it's a warm night in July, and you're standing on a boat deck watching the sun set over the ocean and feeling a summer breeze. Music and the sounds of a party fill the air around you, and you're basking in the moment and enjoying an evening with those closest to you. Life is good.

Doesn't that sound great? It sure does to us, and courtesy of the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company , you and your friends can have a similar experience right here in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

What cruises does the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company offer?

Every year during the summer, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, headlined by their main vessel, the Thomas Laighton, offer a variety of cruises out of Portsmouth Harbor.

According to their  website , some cruises take you out to Star Island and back with no disembarking option, while others allow you to actually step off the boat and wander the Island for short time spans. Should you want to spend the night out there, you can do so at the Oceanic Hotel .

The Steamship Company also offers Sunset Acoustic Harbor Cruises, and additional trips aboard a smaller vessel called the Challenger are also available.

What are the Isles of Shoals Party Cruises?

So let's talk about the Party Cruises, referred to on the website as the "best Party Ship on the Seacoast!".

These special cruises are offered throughout the summer for guests 21+ years of age. Those on board will enjoy music and a cash-only bar (you will have the opportunity to access an ATM before boarding the boat). A valid state photo ID is required.

When are the Party Cruises?

For the 2022 season, Party Cruises will be offered on the following dates and times:

•   Jul 03, 2022 @ 7:30 PM
•   Jul 03, 2022 @7:30 PM
•   Jul 09, 2022 @ 7:30 PM
•   Jul 15, 2022 @ 7:30 PM
•   Jul 29, 2022 @ 7:30 PM
•   Aug 13, 2022 @ 7:30 PM
•   Aug 20, 2022 @ 7:30 PM

So, what are you waiting for? Click here for more information or to purchase tickets, and get ready for one epic summer.

Speaking of summer, take a look at these gorgeous NH sunsets. Who knows? Maybe you'll see a beautiful one on your upcoming cruise.

15 Best Sunsets in New Hampshire You Will Never See in the Caribbean

Tour time: boston's own mark wahlberg put his nearly $90 million manse on the market in beverly hills, more from 97.5 wokq.

Rent the best Portsmouth party boats

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How to rent a party boat in portsmouth, find the perfect boat.

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Enjoy your day on the water with friends and family!

Why Boatsetter?

As the global leader in peer-to-peer boat rentals, Boatsetter offers an easy, safe and accessible way to experience on-the-water adventure. With boat rentals in 600+ locations, finding a boat is easy and with the option to tap into the largest network of USCG licensed captains, boating experience is not required.

Get out on the water worry-free, knowing our insurance covers every boating trip

Choosing the right boat rental platform is essential to your peace of mind while on the water. That's why we've gone the extra mile to focus on safety through our exclusive partnership with GEICO Marine and BoatUS. As the first and only boat rental marketplace to offer insurance on every peer-to-peer rental, you are protected during all rentals with insurance coverage and on-water assistance through TowBoatUS.

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Frequently asked questions

What makes Boatsetter different from other boat rental platforms?

What makes Boatsetter different is peace of mind. Boatsetter is the first and only boat rental marketplace to offer insurance on every peer-to-peer boat rental. We know choosing the right boat rental platform is essential to your experience while on the water. That's why we've gone the extra mile to focus on safety through our exclusive partnership with GEICO Marine and BoatUS. As the first and only boat rental marketplace to offer insurance on every peer-to-peer rental, you are protected during all rentals with insurance coverage and on-water assistance through TowBoatUS.

How to rent a boat on Boatsetter?

At Boatsetter, our mission is to make getting out on the water as easy as possible. With our intuitive booking system, you can rent a boat as soon as today. -First, you must determine your budget and the type of boat you want to rent. -Next, decide where you would like to boat and the kind of boat you would like to spend the day on. -Finally, determine if you will be needing a boat captain and reach out to the boat owner. That’s it! You’re officially on your way to a fantastic day out on the water.

How much does it cost to rent a boat?

The cost to rent a boat depends on whether you are renting for a half-day or a full day, the boat features and the boat size can impact your boat rental price. Rental prices can range from $200 to $1,000 plus depending on the boat rental itself and the length of time of the rental.

How many people can fit on the boat rental?

The number of people who can fit on boat rental largely depends on the boat’s size and how many life jackets are on board. Currently the coast guard allows a maximum of 10-12 people on a Boatsetter boat rental.

How much does it cost to rent a yacht?

The cost of renting a yacht depends on the boat’s size and the amount of time you’ll use the yacht. The onboard amenities and luxurious accommodations also dictate the price. You can contact our yacht specialists for a custom quote by visiting https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

How old do you have to be to rent a boat?

You must be 18 years old to rent a captained boat and 25 years old if you would like to rent a bareboat charter.

Do I need a boating license to rent a boat?

Boating license requirements vary from state to state. As a renter, you are responsible for understanding local state requirements.

Can you rent a yacht for the day?

Boatsetter allows you to rent a yacht for the day. Single-day yacht rentals are available for a select number of yachts. To chat with a yacht specialist please visit https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

Can you rent a yacht for the week?

Boatsetter allows its customers to rent a yacht for the week. Renting a yacht for a week gives you more access to the wide range of yachts available on our platform. You can either book a rental directly through the site or connect with one of our charter specialists to plan your trip here: https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

Can you rent a yacht for the month?

Booking a month-long yacht rental is a detailed and hands-off process when working with our team of yacht charter specialists. We tailor each yacht charter to our client's specific wants and needs. Our luxury yacht charter specialists can be reached at (954) 715-4114 or by visiting https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

How to rent a private yacht?

Renting a private yacht is a very detailed experience that caters to your exact needs while onboard one of our luxury yachts. To plan your private yacht rentals experience please visit https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

How much does it cost to rent a pontoon boat?

The cost of renting a pontoon boat depends on the size, location, and rental time of the boat. Prices can range anywhere from $200 for a half-day rental or just under a $1,000 for longer rentals.

How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

The cost to charter a yacht varies depending on the boat size and the length of the charter. Prices typically range from less than $1,000 to $5,000 plus if you’re wanting to charter the yacht overnight.

How much does it cost to rent a boat for the day?

The cost of renting a boat for the day on average ranges from $200 to $1200. The cost to rent a boat varies depending on the size of the boat and the length of time that you will be using the boat.

How does the boat insurance work?

Boat insurance typically covers loss caused by things such as fire, sinking, storms, and collisions. The extent of the coverage varies depending on the policy.

Do I need my own insurance to rent a boat?

You do not need boat insurance when renting with Boatsetter. Coverage is provided under the Peer-to-Peer Boat Rental Policy, which is underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. The policy was written from the ground up as a stand-alone recreational boat rental insurance policy covering the period of time that the boat is being rented and is available for all non-commercially insured boats.

Does Boatsetter screen renters?

Yes. We use a system called Cognito to ensure that payment information matches the renter's identity. We also require renters taking out a captained boat to be at least 18 years old and on a bareboat to be at least 25 years old.

Is listing my boat on Boatsetter free?

Yes! Listing a boat is completely free. We only take a commission when your boat is rented. We only make money when you do!

What if I'm not comfortable having a renter drive my boat?

If you are not comfortable having a renter drive your boat, we have an expansive network of licensed and experienced captains. Once your boat is listed, you can filter through our network of captains and favorite captains in your area that you would like to operate your boat.

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Top party boat rentals reviews in Portsmouth, NH

Entertainment for...

We had so much fun on the boat! The pond/lake was perfect for us and our host was very helpful and thorough! 5 stars!

We had the perfect day on the water with Ret. Beach, fishing & seals. We will definitely connect with him again on...

21 Parker Center...

Charlie is terrific to work with - very responsive. He knows boating inside and out, but can walk anyone through...

Sail from...

Allan was so great - kind AND funny. He was telling us all sorts of fun stories from his earlier sailing days. We got...

Charlie was great. He was on time. He fully explained the boat and safety features. The boat came packed with all...

Immaculate 22'...

Craig is awesome. Very professional and attentive. I’m a USCG Master and appreciated his thorough briefing on his...

Let "Reel Thrills...

Ted was knowledgeable and caring! Our whole family had a great time on water.

Welcome aboard...

We had a lovely afternoon sailing around the harbor With Rick and his wife. The boat was beautiful, spacious and...

Rick and Deb were great! The Artemis was amazing, you won't be disappointed!

Charlie's boat is a classic deep-v Parker which means that when you get up on a plane, you cut through chop that has...

Craig was very professional and provided all the needed instruction to safely operate the boat. The boat was...

Craig was organized, nice, and very easy to coordinate with. His Robalo is beautiful and would definitely rent again!

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The Best Booze Cruises in New Hampshire!

Sipping on your favorite drink on a boat just feels so right! The open air, the spray of water, and the relaxing powers of a cold beer or good glass of wine combine flawlessly. Enter the best booze cruises of New Hampshire. From all out party ships to more refined nature cruises, these options are among the best for a good time in the great outdoors. 

Isle of Shoals Party Ships, Portsmouth, NH

From country to reggae to general party, the booze cruises of Isles of Shoals Steamship Company are tops in the Granite State. Grab some friends or a date and set out on the ocean for some drinks, some tunes, and a really fabulous time. Take in the gorgeous sights of the New Hampshire Seacoast as you make memories to last a lifetime during this cash-only adventure! 

Portsmouth Harbor Cruises, Portsmouth, NH

If your ideal picture of a booze cruise is a little more refined, look no further than Portsmouth Harbor Cruises Wine Cruise! Taste five delicious wines paired with cheese as you leisurely cruise the Seacoast. Wine selections change each outing, so each venture feels equally new and exciting! 

Mount Washington Cruises, Laconia, NH

If you prefer to keep the party earlier in the day, check out Mount Washington Cruises Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruise on glorious Lake Winnipesaukee! Explore the 44,000 acres of natural beauty of one of our most incredible resources with this two and half hour excursion. 

Sunapee Cruises, Sunapee, NH

All aboard the MV Kearsarge Restaurant Ship for two hours of a really good time! This two hour tour, complete with gourmet dinner, is fully narrated by the Captain. Learn the history and folklore of the lake as you navigate the water, and leave with some seriously interesting trivia about the region! 

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Dinner Cruise, Holderness, NH

Though the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Dinner Cruise does not serve alcohol on board, it does give cruisers an opportunity to enjoy a fabulous evening of dinner and drinks at Walter’s Basin Restaurant prior to boarding. Once you’re on board and feeling loose, enjoy 90 minutes on a canopied pontoon boat exploring the lake. Binoculars will be provided, and a knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating background on the animals, plants, and people of Squam Lake. 

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Happy Fourth of July from the Steamship Company.  We hope you enjoy your Independence Day BBQ's and parties.  If you are looking for a way to get out on the water this 4th and enjoy a cruise or are in the Seacoast Region this weekend.  Please check out our lineup of cruises this weekend.    (See below)

NOTE: Portsmouth Fireworks POSTPONED to Tuesday July 5 due to weather

Friday, July 1st - Steamin' Party Ship with the Groove Cats -  9:00 - 11:30 PM - Live Classic Rock Covers with our friends the Groove Cats.

Saturday, July 2nd - Historic Isles of Shoals, Lighthouses, & Portsmouth Harbor Tour - 10:55 AM - 1:45 PM - Narrated cruise through the historic Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua and out to and around the Isles of Shoals.

Saturday, July 2nd - Fireworks Cruise with DJ RYZ -  7:00 - 11:00 PM - Cruising up through Portsmouth up to York , Maine for the annual fireworks display, all the while DJ RYZ plays your favorite dance anthems all night.

Sunday, July 3rd - Star Island Walkabout and Stopover - Sunday starting at  9:25 AM .  In addition to cruising around the Isles of Shoals, tour the legendary Star Island for an hour or 4 hour expedition.

Sunday, July 3rd & Monday, July 4th – Historic Isles of Shoals, Lighthouses, and Portsmouth Harbor Tour -  1:55 - 4:45 PM .  Narrated cruise through the historic Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua and out to and around the Isles of Shoals.

Wednesday, July 6th - Reggae on the River with HOT LIKE FIRE -  7:00 PM - 10:00 PM -Voted Best Caribbean Band 2011 Urban Music Awards!

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City Announces Event Parking Shuttle for Sail Portsmouth, July 27-28, 2024

July 18, 2024

Sail Portsmouth welcomes a parade of the US Coast Guard barque Eagle and a flotilla of other vessels to Portsmouth on Friday, July 26 starting at 9 am. The Parade of Sail features an impressive lineup of vessels, including the Ernestina-Morrissey and Denis Sullivan , along with the iconic gundalow Piscataqua , a US Navy tug, the City fireboat, and a multitude of supporting pleasure craft and fishing vessels. Local boat owners are encouraged to join the Parade of Sail, gathering at the mouth of the Piscataqua that morning to be part of the maritime procession. For the full schedule, visit:  sailportsmouth.org .

Tours – Free Tours of the USCG Eagle are offered on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 from 10 am to 5 pm each day at the Port of Portsmouth (555 Market Street). Visitors should expect to wait in line to board. 

Parking  –   ADA-accessible public parking is available at the Hanover Garage and the Foundry Garage. All parking is first come, first serve and provided at regular rates. 

Free Shuttle  –   Three shuttles (one ADA-equipped) will operate on a free 10-minute loop between the parking garages and the Port of Portsmouth (Granite State Minerals, 555 Market Street), from 10 am to 4 pm on July 27 and 28. For the shuttle map, visit:  portsnh.co/sailshuttle24 . Please note: There will be a 1.5-hour period each day when only two shuttles are operating to allow the drivers to take their lunch breaks. At those times there may be a longer wait for service. 

The Sail Portsmouth Tall Ship Festival is THIS WEEKEND!

PORTSMOUTH – Sail Portsmouth is gearing up for the Tall Ship Festival happening this weekend in Portsmouth. The festival kicks off with a spectacular Parade of Sail on Friday, July 26, which begins at the mouth of the Piscataqua River at 10:30 a.m. making their way up the river to downtown Portsmouth.   The Parade of Sail will feature an impressive lineup of vessels, including the renowned Barque Eagle, Ernestina-Morrissey, and Denis Sullivan, along with the iconic Gundalow, a Navy tug, the City fireboat, and a multitude of supporting and enthusiastic pleasure craft and fishing vessels. Local boat owners are also encouraged to join the Parade of Sail, gathering at the mouth of the Piscataqua that morning to be part of this grand maritime procession.  The heart of the event lies in the captivating Tall Ship Tours, and Sail Portsmouth had added Friday afternoon to the touring schedule! Visitors can tour the Barque Eagle for free at the Port of Portsmouth (555 Market Street) on Friday, July 26 from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, July 27 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, July 28 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tours are free to the public, and visitors should expect to wait in line to board. The line will close 30 minutes before the end of each day.  Visitors are encouraged to park at the City garages on Hanover Street and Foundry Place, and walk down to the Port of Portsmouth, or utilize one of the parking shuttles which will be running every 20 minutes from both garages to Market Street.   For those hoping to experience the thrill of sailing the high seas themselves, Sail Portsmouth offers Tall Ship Sails from July 25 to 28. Limited tickets are still available for these sails! Find the full schedule and purchase tickets here: https://sailportsmouth.org/event/ocean-sails/   “With over 117 dedicated volunteers, we are ready for this weekend’s event. Hats off with gratitude to the staff of the Port of Portsmouth, who are exceptional at all that they do, while being tremendously supportive of this event and the entire Sail Portsmouth program. As our community comes together for the Historic Tall Ship Festival, we are as humbled as we are appreciative of the incredible support we get from our visitors and supporters,” said Robin Comstock, Sail Portsmouth Board Member and Volunteer Coordinator.  Event Details:  ·                     Parade of Sail: Friday, July 26, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  ·                     Tall Ship Tours: Friday, July 26, 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, July 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  ·                     Tall Ship Sails: July 25 – 28, 2024 | Various Days and Times Available    For ticket information and to learn more about Sail Portsmouth, visit https://sailportsmouth.org .    About Sail Portsmouth:  Sail Portsmouth is dedicated to preserving and celebrating maritime heritage by bringing Tall Ships to Portsmouth, NH. Our vision is to enhance the awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the rich cultural maritime heritage and history of the Piscataqua River estuary through the staging of rewarding events and educational programs that the public, and especially youth, can actively participate.    DISCLAIMER: The above content wasn't created by, but is being shared they Chamber Collaborative on behalf of a member.  

Sail Portsmouth

• July 24, 2024

Dramatic video shows whale capsizing boat off New Hampshire

Two boaters escaped with their lives off New Hampshire after a whale breached and capsized their vessel in a dramatic spectacle that was captured on video, the Coast Guard said Tuesday.

The boaters, who were essentially catapulted into the Atlantic Ocean when the giant mammal breached and struck the back of the 23-foot vessel, were rescued by good Samaritans, the Coast Guard said in a series of posts on X .

The incident occurred near Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire, it said.

Video shows the whale breaching the water and striking the rear of the boat. At least one of the boaters is seen plunging into the water.

Colin Yager, who recorded he video, told NBC News on Tuesday that after the whale breached, he and his brother picked up the boaters.

No injuries were reported, according to the Coast Guard.

“We are grateful to the good samaritans for taking such quick action to rescue these two individuals. Bravo Zulu!” it said.

The Coast Guard crew from Station Portsmouth reported the whale appeared to be uninjured, the agency said. The boat was salvaged, it added.

Antonio Planas is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

Colin Sheeley is an assignment editor for NBC News.

Watch CBS News

Whale capsizes boat off Portsmouth, New Hampshire in incredible video recorded by teen

By Mike Sullivan

Updated on: July 24, 2024 / 9:57 AM EDT / CBS Boston

RYE, N.H. -- An incredible video captured the moment a whale capsized a boat off the coast of New Hampshire Tuesday, sending two men flying into the ocean. Two teenagers nearby, one who recorded the video, came to their immediate rescue.

Humpback whale capsizes boat

"You know the risk when you come out here, it's really unusual what happened to us this morning," Greg Paquette, who was thrown overboard, told WBZ-TV.

Paquette and his friend Ryland Kenney were fishing off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, when a humpback whale suddenly breached and knocked over their boat, which was about two miles off shore. 

"Thankfully it was slow enough that I could kind of swim my way out away from it before it completely capsized," Paquette said.

It took Kenney several frantic moments before he could even find Paquette in the water. 

"Not much time to react," Kenney said. "So I took a few steps off and basically did a Superman off the boat."

Two teens, Colin and Wyatt Yager, were fishing nearby when it happened. They said they saw the whale breach a few more times afterward.

Colin had his rod in one hand and a phone in the other. "It's just unreal. Completely unreal," he said. 

The whale leaped out of the water, cresting over Paquette and Kenney's boat. Paquette said the whale had a mouthful of fish and crashed down on the back of their boat, sending them flying. 

A Coast Guard crew from Station Portsmouth reported that the whale didn't appear to be hurt. The incident was reported to NOAA.

"We're in their way"

Fortunately, the men were only in the water for a minute when the two teens came to their rescue.

"We are grateful to the good Samaritans for taking such quick action to rescue these two individuals. Bravo Zulu!" the Coast Guard said on X . 

The men made it out safely, but their belongings didn't. Paquette lost his iPhone. The boat was salvaged, the Coast Guard said.

"That's the one thing we got to realize, that this is their home. This is their ocean, so we're in their way," Kenney said.

"It's not something I would care to repeat. But it is an amazing experience," Paquette told CBS New York .  

The Coast Guard asked boaters to report whale sightings to a local USCG command center.

• New Hampshire
• Rye NH News
• United States Coast Guard
• Fishing Boat
• New Hampshire News

Mike Sullivan is a multimedia journalist for WBZ-TV. He returned to his home state of Massachusetts after reporting in the Midwest for more than ten years.

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Watch: Whale of New Hampshire slams into fishing boat, hurling men into the Atlantic

A whale was mid-breach when it hit a small boat off New Hampshire, causing the vessel to capsize and hurl two fishermen overboard in a matter of seconds. 

Colin and Wyatt Yager, two teenage brothers from Maine on a neighboring vessel, took to social media Tuesday to share the footage, which has been reposted multiple times in the past few hours, according to reporting by Seacoastonline, part of the USA TODAY Network.

One video in particular has garnered over 4 million views and hundreds of comments since it was posted, with a caption that warns area residents to beware of a “pissed off whale” patrolling the waters of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

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“Head on swivel if you’re out there,” the caption says. 

The teens "swiftly rescued" both fishermen after their boat capsized off Odiorne Point in Rye, New Hampshire, U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson Diolanda Caballero told Seacoastonline.

Wyatt Yager wasn't initially worried about the whale, telling Seacoastonline that all of the boats stayed along the edge of the school of fish so the whale could feed. But it got a little too close to the vessel, causing it to tip over.

"I was just in shock. Everyone else had the same reaction and tried to get over to those people," he said. "It was like, 'Oh shoot,' and then, 'We’ve got to go help these people.' All the boats dropped what they were doing to go over to help them."

Neither the men thrown into the ocean, nor the whale, were injured, Caballero said.

USA TODAY has reached out to the Coast Guard for comment.

'It's been an emotional day,' fisherman says

The Coast Guard caught wind of the capsized vessel Tuesday morning, which had been tipped over in Rye, a few miles northeast of Portsmouth, Seacoastonline reported. The teens were fishing for menhaden, also known as "pogies" a little after 7 a.m.

The whale crashed into Greg Paquette and Ryland Kenney's boat about an hour later after they spotted the aquatic mammal, immediately launching both men into "fight or flight mode" after they were thrown into the water, Seacoastonline reported.

“I heard a big crackle,” Kenney told the newspaper. "When that happened … the bow tipped up and I went to the left and as (the boat) was rolling over I kind of jumped off horizontally to avoid the whale and the boat.”

The last thing Paquette remembers seeing before being thrown into the water was the whale's head, which slammed down on the engine of the boat.

“Then I saw the whole stern become inundated with water and I thought, ‘Oh no. We’re going down. We’re going to sink now," Paquette told Seacoastonline. They managed to swim away from the swamped boat in a matter of seconds and became very tired after the initial "energy and adrenaline" wore off.

"It's been an emotional day," Paquette said.

The men stayed in the Yagers' boat for about 15 minutes, then the brothers dropped them off at a nearby friend's vessel before the Coast Guard arrived, according to Wyatt Yager. Paquette and Kenney were transported to Great Cove Boat Club in Eliot, Maine, after the breach, the two fishermen said.

Both men were in the water for less than two minutes before they were rescued, with 19-year-old Wyatt and 16-year-old Colin stepping in to help.  

"We’re glad they took such quick action," Paquette said. "They didn’t even think about it. We’re really grateful to both of them."

Internet reacts, exchanges memes

While the whale seemed to have made a pretty big splash, Colin Yager’s reaction to the “breach” has inadvertently caused the most attention. 

Multiple people have commented on Colin’s reaction, pointing out how quickly his instincts kicked in.

“Kid's like ‘I want to go home now,’" one user wrote. Another said, “That kid had the right idea lol turned around and was ready to book it.”

A user named Daisy Evans wrote that the “incredible scene” was the result of “unfortunate timing,” pointing to the way the whale was breaching under a school of baitfish next to the boat.

“You can actually see dozens of fish pouring out of its mouth as it impacts the boat. The whale was not attacking,” she wrote. 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch: Whale of New Hampshire slams into fishing boat, hurling men into the Atlantic

Watch whale surface, capsize fishing boat off coast in New England (Video)

• Updated: Jul. 24, 2024, 11:02 a.m.
• | Published: Jul. 24, 2024, 10:55 a.m.

• The Associated Press | MassLive

RYE, N.H. (AP) — Two fishermen are safe after a whale crashed onto their boat, capsizing it off the New Hampshire shore , according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The incident occurred Tuesday near Odiorne Point State Park in Rye. The two men, who were thrown overboard, said they had seen the whale earlier and were trying to keep their distance.

“He went under, he disappeared for a few minutes, and then the next thing we know, he just popped right up on our transom,” fisherman Ryland Kenney told WMUR-TV.

The Coast Guard posted to X that they had received a mayday call stating that a 23-foot (7-meter) center console boat had turned over because of a whale breach.

“The occupants were ejected from the vessel as the boat capsized,” the Coast Guard posted, adding that an urgent marine information broadcast was issued and the Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor was alerted.

“A good Samaritan recovered both individuals from the water. No injuries were reported,” the Coast Guard posted.

The rescuers turned out to be two young brothers.

“I saw it come up, and I was just like, ‘Oh, it’s going to hit the boat,’” Wyatt Yager told the station. “It started to flip.” His brother, Colin Yager, caught what happened on his phone.

#Info on the whale that capsized a vessel earlier today: USCG Sector Northern New England watchstanders received a MAYDAY on Rescue 21 stating a 23FT Center Console boat capsized due to a whale breach underneath the vessel approx. ½ NM east of Odiorne Point State Park. — USCGNortheast (@USCGNortheast) July 23, 2024

The boat crew from Station Portsmouth reported that the whale appeared not to be injured. The incident was reported to the Center of Coastal Studies Marine Animal Hotline and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The vessel has also been salvaged.

The whale probably did not know the boat was there, said Sara Morris of the University of New Hampshire Shoals Marine Laboratory.

“If you look at the video really carefully, you can see that the whale has its mouth open,” she told the station. “It looks like it’s lunge feeding and actually trying to catch fish.”

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Whale slams boat, topples 2 fishermen off Rye coast: 'Oh no, we're going down'

RYE, N.H. − Fishermen Greg Paquette and Ryland Kenney are crediting two teenage brothers with swiftly rescuing them Tuesday morning after a whale breached, struck their boat and capsized the vessel, toppling them into the ocean off New Hampshire.

Brothers Wyatt Yager, 19, and Colin Yager, 16, of Eliot, Maine, were fishing for menhaden, commonly called "pogies," off Odiorne Point State Park just after 7 a.m. They were among roughly 10 boaters out between Rye Harbor and the mouth of the Piscataqua River when they spotted the whale. About an hour later, the whale slammed the boat and sent the two men into the water.

In an instant, Paquette and Kenney were in "fight or flight” mode, Kenney said hours after the scare. 

“I heard a big crackle,” said Kenney, of Dover. “When that happened … the bow tipped up and I went to the left, and as (the boat) was rolling over I kind of jumped off horizontally to avoid the whale and the boat.”

"We’re glad they took such quick action," Paquette said of the Yager brothers. "They didn’t even think about it. We’re really grateful to both of them."

Paquette, of Groveland, Massachusetts, and Kenney started their fishing expedition around 5 a.m. Tuesday, battling fog for a time before locating menhaden to use as bait to catch striped bass.

The incident came days after a humpback whale was spotted in the Piscataqua River and weeks after other whale sightings in shallow waters in Pepperrell Cove in Kittery, Maine. It wasn't immediately known whether it was the same whale.

Kenney said he had left his life jacket in his own boat and didn’t have time to turn for an inflatable ring, instead opting to jump in and avoid the collapse of the vessel. Paquette said he was wearing an inflatable life jacket that activated as soon as he was thrown into the water. He said he saw the whale’s head slam down on the engine of the boat, a final mental snapshot before he hit the water.

“Then I saw the whole stern become inundated with water and I thought: ‘Oh no. We’re going down. We’re going to sink now,’” he said.

The two swam clear of the swamped boat as the whale swam away. They were in the water for less than two minutes before they were rescued.

“It’s been an emotional day,” Paquette said. “At first there was a lot of energy and adrenaline. After that, once the adrenaline went through, we just became very tired.”

19-year-old boater 'shocked' and happy to help

Wyatt Yager wasn't initially worried about the whale; all the boats stayed along the edge of a large school of fish to allow the whale to feed, he said. But the whale moved close to one boat, breached and knocked it over.

Wyatt Yager estimated he and his brother, who caught the incident on video, were about 60 feet away. Colin Yager's video was widely circulated on social media Tuesday.

"I was just in shock. Everyone else had the same reaction and tried to get over to those people," he said. "It was like, 'Oh shoot,' and then, 'We’ve got to go help these people.' All the boats dropped what they were doing to go over to help them."

Wyatt Yager, a University of Maine student, and his brother, Colin, a student at Marshwood High School, turned their boat around to rescue the capsized fishermen. The two men were in the water swimming, appearing uninjured, Wyatt said, and were in the water only briefly.

The men stayed in the Yagers' boat for about 15 minutes; then the brothers dropped them off on a friend's vessel before the Coast Guard arrived, according to Wyatt Yager. Paquette and Kenney were taken to Great Cove Boat Club in Eliot, Maine, the two fishermen said.

The brothers often see whales when they fish for tuna 10 to 15 miles offshore, Wyatt Yager said. But Tuesday's incident was by far the closest they've ever seen a whale to shore.

"If we didn’t get to them, somebody else would have gotten to them 10 seconds later," he said. "Everybody was trying to help."

Coast Guard: No injuries to boaters or whale

Coast Guard spokesperson Diolanda Caballero said neither the men thrown into the ocean nor the whale were injured. She confirmed the fishermen were swiftly rescued by nearby boaters. 

The vessel struck by the whale was a 23-foot center console boat, Caballero said.

The Coast Guard received two mayday calls after the boat capsized after the breach.

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Breaching, ‘pissed off’ humpback whale topples boat, throws fishermen into sea off new hampshire coast: video.

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Whale, they didn’t see that coming.

A pair of fishermen were tossed into the chilly New Hampshire waters Tuesday when a “pissed off” humpback landed squarely on their boat.

The thrilling video shows the magnificent beast soar above the surface just beyond the stern of the small vessel anchored a half-mile off the coast of Portsmouth.

With nowhere else to go, the leviathan’s head smashed onto the 23-foot boat, dragging it down into the water as it made its hard landing.

The two fishermen — who were not wearing life jackets — were catapulted into the sea as the vessel flipped over, the video shows.

“There is a pissed off whale patrolling the waters of Portsmouth NH today. Head on swivel if you’re out there,” former NHL player Ryan Whitney wrote in an X post accompanying the viral video.

Fortunately, one of several other fishing boats in the area raced to the rescue, the US Coast Guard said.

All parties escaped the terrifying incident without injury — including the whale.

According to experts, the incident was nothing more than a near-tragic coincidence — and had nothing to do with the ill temperament of the humpback.

“It was an accident,” Dianna Schulte, co-founder and director of research for the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation, told The Post.

The Portsmouth-based marine researcher said the video proves that the 30-foot-long juvenile was feeding when it broke the surface of the water.

“The whales will come up through schools of fish with their mouth wide open and close their mouth, either right before they break the surface or even after they break the surface,” Schulte said.

“The boat was in the wrong place.”

The marine mammal has become something of a local celebrity for becoming the first humpback to hunt its meals in the Piscataqua River.

Minke whales are known to swim through the channel, but humpbacks tend to stay around 15 miles from shore, Schulte said.

A population boom in Atlantic menhaden — a favorite among whales, dolphins and sharks — could be the reason the juvenile is coming closer to the coast, she said, adding that it could be using the shallow waters to its advantage as it builds up its hunting skills.

The humpback’s unusual presence has drawn plenty of gawkers in the last few weeks — meaning the fishermen should have been aware that there was a whale lurking below.

“The boaters that are in the video, they should have known better to not be fishing with a large whale in the area, because [an accident] can happen,” Schultz said.

The idea that the whale was “pissed off” or may have been acting maliciously — like how orcas are attacking sailboats in Europe — is preposterous, she continued.

“The whales, when they’re feeding on the fish schools, when they’re that dense, they just can’t see through the fish school, so they don’t know what’s above them, especially on a cloudy day like today. So the whale had no idea that the boat was even there,” said Schultz.

“I’ve been watching whales and researching whales for 30 years, and I’ve never seen a humpback whale purposely hit a boat.”

As long as the trailblazing humpback is swimming in Portsmouth’s shallow waters, Schultz warned that boaters and fishermen should give the animal as much as 100 yards of space, especially when they catch it at mealtime.

Humans aren’t the only ones being put in harm’s way when fishing too close to the massive mammals: Whales can become entangled in fishing lines and lobster equipment, which could greatly hinder their ability to feed. 

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