One Dead After Sailboat Runs Aground Near San Juan Islands
A 56-year-old man has been rescued and a woman has died after a 31-ft sailboat was disabled and grounded near the San Juan Islands Monday night. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound watchstanders received a mayday call from the master of the sailboat around 7 p.m. stating his boat was disabled and drifting toward land. Weather conditions were reported as snowy, with 25 to 30 mph winds and 4- to 6-foot seas.
The Coast Guard command center launched a rescue boat crew from Station Bellingham and a Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles to locate the distressed vessel. The vessel was located but ran aground while the boat crews were attempting the rescue. The boat’s mast then collapsed, after which the air crew lowered a rescue swimmer.
The swimmer retrieved a 56-year-old man who was hoisted to the rescue boat. The woman was then located by the helicopter crew, who guided the rescue boat to her location. The woman was unconscious, and was brought aboard the rescue boat, where a crew member immediately began CPR. The woman was hoisted to the helicopter and flown to St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham and was later declared deceased.
The man was taken to Station Bellingham, then transferred to St. Joseph Medical Center.
A Coast Guard member was injured during the rescue and was transported to the hospital for evaluation, and was released later that night.
This video of the rescue was shared by the US Coast Guard:
Condolences to the family and friends of that lost crewman.
I cannot give the US Coast Guard enough praise. They risk their lives every day to save the rest of us. This was a highly difficult rescue environment that demanded skill and courage. It is tragic the woman lost her life and we all feel for her family and other loved ones. Thank you Coast Guard. Semper Paratus.
We often read in ‘Lectronic about tragic circumstances in California. This one is closer to home. The water here is very cold.
I’m always interested in a debrief. What cause her death? How could this situation have been avoided or improved upon?
I’ve sailed the Salish Sea for a few decades. So I’m not looking for generalizations like hypothermia, lee-shore etc. I’m curious if anyone has detailed information that could be helpful to prevent a future catastrophe. Thanks
The CG is not called usually on a calm sunny day. It’s when its’ dark, it’s blowing like snot from the NW, the seas are confused…I’ve never had to call them, but I am so glad they monitor the radio 24,7 and are teed up to deploy marine and aviation resources. They are courageous.
Very difficult time for the woman’s family & possibly more difficult for the male survivor. 🙏🏼
That looked like a very difficult situation to rescue. So sorry for the women that was lost.
I respect the USCG, that is really tough duty.