United States Coast Guard helicopters rescued a Yarmouth based fishing crew of three after their boat sank Monday afternoon about 240 kilometres off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Crew of the Yarmouth based Scotia Provider arrive in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

The crew of the 16 metre fishing boat Scotia Provider discovered their engine room filling with water and sent their last known position out by satellite phone, according to The U.S. Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard command centre in Boston received the beacon and two aircraft from Air Station Cape Cod were dispatched. A number of fishing vessels in the area and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter diverted to help in the rescue.

The Yarmouth based crew abandoned ship and took shelter in a life raft.

By 3:10 p.m., the Coast Guard says the helicopters arrived, the three men were hoisted onboard and flown back to Cape Cod.