SEATTLE – The Coast Guard is towing the crew of a disabled 65-foot sailing vessel back to Tillamook Bay, Ore., today.
The Coast Guard received a report via VHF-FM radio just after 8 a.m. that the sailing vessel Hawaiian Chieftain, with 12 people aboard, is foundering in 14-foot seas and 35 knot winds. It was also reported that the sails were lowered due to the wind speed and that the vessel’s inboard 490-horsepower engine has seized.
Coast Guard Station Tillamook Bay dispatched a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew to assist. Both vessels are due back to port Tuesday afternoon.
No injuries have been reported.
Weather conditions on scene:
* Rain
* 30-35 knot winds
* 14-foot seas
* Gale warnings and small craft advisories have been posted for the Washington and Oregon coast.
