PORT ANGELES — The Coast Guard rescued seven people over the weekend after the 143-foot yacht they were aboard took on water and became disabled 25-miles off the Washington coast.
Watchstanders at the Columbia River command center received a radio call from the crew of the vessel at 6 a.m. Saturday, reporting the yacht was taking on water due to the transom door, which opens like a pickup’s tailgate, failing to close in rough seas.
The yacht crew also had to battle an engine room fire and the vessel became disabled, operating their communications through emergency batteries only.
A Jayhawk helicopter crew was sent from Air Station Astoria and lifeboat crews were dispatched from Grays Harbor and the Quillayute River station. But, due to the yacht exceeding the towing capacity of the lifeboats, the Coast Guard Cutter Active from Port Angeles was diverted to the area and got the tow under way.
By 3:00pm Sunday, after a nearly 24-hour transit, the crew of the Active arrived near Neah Bay and transferred the tow to a commercial tug, which was directed to tow the yacht to a shipyard in Port Angeles where repairs can be completed.
(US Coast Guard photo)