The U.S. Coast Guard is reminding boaters how quickly emergencies happen after pulling 10 people from a grounded sailboat Sunday (July 27).
The crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Bellingham was called out after a 51-foot sailboat ran aground near Stuart Island, Wash. with 10 people aboard. The San Juan Island is east of the Saanich Peninsula.
The mayday call came in through radio channel 16 reporting multiple injuries, including head trauma and suspected fractures.
Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound coordinated a multi-agency response, including U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles.
鈥淚n shallow water and unable to safely moor alongside, STA Bellingham Coast Guard crews used the vessel鈥檚 own dinghy to shuttle injured passengers to waiting paramedics on coast guard and sheriff鈥檚 fire boats,鈥� the agency said in a social media post.
All 10 aboard were rescued and transported to safety and the sailboat was refloated by local salvage after they confirmed no hull breach or pollution.
鈥淭his is a powerful reminder: emergencies happen fast. If in need, ensure you always have life jackets for all onboard and working marine radios at the very least, we will be on channel 16 if you need us 鈥� stay safe,鈥� the coast guard post reads.
Boaters in distress can call 911 and ask for Marine Search and Rescue, use channel 16 on the VHF or call the joint rescue coordination centre at 1-800-567-5111.
