Barstool Sports owner rescued by Coast Guard after losing control of boat off Nantucket

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Barstool founder and CEO Dave Portnoy is seen before the Florida Atlantic Owls and Loyola (Il) Ramblers game in the Barstool Invitational at Wintrust Arena on November 8, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Credit: Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The owner and founder of Barstool Sports said he was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard Monday after losing control of a boat off Massachusetts.

Dave Portnoy said in a social media video that the rescue happened after he unhooked his boat from buoys. Heavy winds then caused him to drift out to sea, and his engine was dead.

The 47-year-old said another boater saw that he was stranded and radioed the Coast Guard, who rescued Portney and towed the boat back to mooring.

"Captain Dave lives to tell another tale," he told his followers. "Third time as captain, already lost at sea. It’s a dangerous game, the sea’s angry my friends. Captain Dave may never go on the boat again."

Barstool Sports raises millions to help small businesses amid pandemic

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy launched a fundraising effort with the nonprofit 30 Day Fund for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 called "The Barstool Fund, contributing $500,000 of his own money toward the effort.

Portnoy, who founded the mega-popular sports, food and pop culture website Barstool Sports in 2003, thanked the Coast Guard for their efforts in rescuing him.

The Coast Guard responded with a message for Miss Peaches, Portnoy's pit bull.

"Any time, Dave," the Coast Guard posted, with a pair of smiling emojis. "Tell Miss Peaches we love her."

Barstool Sports currently has more than 16 million followers on Instagram.

This story was reported from Los Angeles. The Associated Press contributed.