SMITH ISLAND — Coast Guard officials responded Thursday afternoon to reports of a whale-watching boat taking on water off of Smith Island. >> See photos of the response
All on board were wearing life jackets, and all 49 passengers were unhurt. Five crew members initially stayed with the 60-feet boat.
The boat was purposely grounded on a Smith Island beach due to it taking on water for unknown reason, the Coast Guard said. Smith Island is an island located in the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca – west of Whidbey Island and south of Lopez Island.
Coast Guard crews were responding with a boat from Station Bellingham and helicopter from Air Station/Sector Field Office Port Angeles, and the crew of the cutter Wahoo and a boat crew from Station Port Angeles were on the way.
The Island County Sheriff's deputies said the Coast Guard is the lead agency.
A picture of passengers being rescued by the Coast Guard is below.
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