A routine trip near Orcas Island turned into a water rescue Friday morning after a rowboat began taking on water and could not maneuver on its own.At around 9:4
A routine trip near Orcas Island turned into a water rescue Friday morning after a rowboat began taking on water and could not maneuver on its own.
At around 9:45 a.m. yesterday, the Tilikum responded to a call from the Coast Guard about a small craft in the water near Orcas Island that needed help, Washington State Ferries said.
The agency said the rowboat was “rapidly taking on water and unable to maneuver on its own.”
The Tilikum crew changed course, launched a rescue boat and went to the boaters in distress, Washington State Ferries said.
The crew was able to help the people to shore, and no medical intervention was needed.
Washington State Ferries said its crews practice rescue skills each week and are regularly called to assist boaters, paddlers, and divers in distress.
The agency thanked the Tilikum crew for its “unwavering dedication and bravery.”
