SOUTH BRISTOL — A collision between two lobster boats off  sunk one of the vessels involved and damaged the other.

The two boats collided at approximately 8 a.m. Sept. 19, about 3 to 4 miles off the coast, according to the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Boothbay Harbor. No one was hurt.

The incident is still under investigation, according to William Armstrong, the officer in charge at the Boothbay station. The names of those involved have not been released.

Armstrong credits the safety equipment with the lack of injury and swift recovery. “They had their life jackets, they had a VHF radio, they had all the required safety equipment on their boat,” he said.

Armstrong also gave credit to the other lobstermen in the area. Soon after the distress call went out, they rushed to the sinking vessel’s aid, recovering the two men on board before it sank.

“The Coast Guard got on scene sometime later. It was 3 or 4 miles offshore, so for us it takes a couple minutes to get out there,” he said.

The incident highlights the importance of safety equipment when working in Maine’s waters. “When you get into a situation  like they found themselves in, having things in good working order makes a big difference in coming home or not,” Armstrong said.

“Everybody was able to get home safe to their families, and that’s always number one.”