DECATUR, Wash. — Six people and two dogs were rescued by a ferry crew after their vessel took on water in the Puget Sound on Saturday, according to the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
The USCG Puget Sound said it received a MAYDAY call from a 37-foot cabin cruiser that was taking on water near Decatur Island just before 1 p.m. on Saturday. Those on the boat related their location before communications were lost after their radio shorted out.
A Washington State ferry, the Samish, responded to the Urgent Marine Information Broadcast before the USCG vessels and helicopter arrived to help the vessel in distress.
The Samish launched its rescue boat and helped four individuals off the vessel, using the body of the ferry to "shield" the boat from the heavy wind and seas. A response boat from the USCG station in Bellingham rescued the remaining two passengers and their dogs from the vessel.
Noah Landau, the captain of the ferry, said they train every week for scenarios like this.
"The rescue drill is really the most dangerous thing we do at ferries, you know; putting somebody in a boat and lowering them over the side and letting them go from the mothership," Landau said.
The vessel and its passengers were taken to Anacortes, where they were evaluated for injuries. The vessel was kept from taking on additional water.
WSF responders determined that a large wave crashed over the bow of the distressed vessel, destroying its windshield and causing water to enter the cabin.
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