POSSESSION SOUND, Wash. — A search and rescue has turned into recovery efforts for three people after their boat took on water and sank northeast of Mukilteo Wednesday afternoon.
The U.S. Coast Guard, along with Everett Fire, Everett Police, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, are actively involved in the recovery operation.
Everett police said at around 1:08 p.m., Everett police and fire departments responded to an emergency call reporting a boat was sinking hundreds of feet offshore, west of Harborview Park.
“The police department and the fire department received multiple calls that there was a boat sinking in possession sound approximately 200 feet from shore," said Natalie Given, PIO for the Everett Police Department.
Police continued to note that a man in his 50s was rescued from the sinking vessel by passing boaters. The man in his 50s then reported that three people remained unaccounted for. He described the remaining people as a man in his 60s, a man in his 20s, and a woman in her 40s.
Upon arrival, police and fire officials located a 26-foot vessel that was substantially submerged," wrote Everett police. "Attempts were made to raise the boat and tow it to shallower waters, but despite efforts, the boat ultimately sank. Multiple agencies responded to assist with the incident. Rescue swimmers, dive teams, marine units, drones, and additional equipment from various jurisdictions were utilized. The U.S. Coast Guard also provided assistance.
Everett police said the group was reportedly out shrimping when the boat began taking on water. However, the circumstances behind the incident are still under investigation, according to police.
“He was out shrimping, and the boat started taking on water, but exactly what caused this to happen, I can’t speak to that. We’re still investigating," said Given.
The lone survivor was uninjured, according to police. The U.S. Coast Guard also said they're looking into whether the boaters had safety gear with them.
“With this case, we’re looking at did they had life jackets on or dry suits, things like that are really going to improve your chances of survival," said Steve Strohmaier, U.S. Coast Guard Spokesperson.
Please wear your life jacket in the ocean. Most people can swim in warm water with a bathing suit on. Swimming with pants, sweatshirts and boots in warm water is difficult. Staying afloat in the ocean thats around 43* is extremely difficult for most people. The boat was only 200 feet from shore and none of them got to shore. Only 1 was picked up by a nearby boat.
From the article seems like either forgot the drain plug or a thru hull fitting busted.
