Coast Guard rescues 3 people off the coast of La Push, WA

Members from Coast Guard Station Quillayute River help a man to an awaiting ambulance after the vessel he was in sank on March 20, 2021, five miles off the coast of La Push, Wash. None of the men were wearing lifejackets. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Quillayute River)

Members from Coast Guard Station Quillayute River help a man to an awaiting ambulance after the vessel he was on sank on March 20, 2021.  (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Quillayute River)

SEATTLE — A Coast Guard Station Quillayute River boatcrew rescued three men Saturday afternoon from a sinking vessel five miles off the coast of La Push, Wash.

At 2:40 p.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound Command Center received an emergency request for assistance on VHF-FM radio channel-16 from a man reporting their 48-foot vessel was taking on water and beginning to sink.

A Station Quillayute River 47-foot Motor Lifeboat Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound(MLB) crew was dispatched at 2:50 p.m. Weather on scene was reported as 8 to 10-foot seas with winds of 30 mph.

At 3:10 p.m., three people were spotted amongst floating debris. None of the individuals were in lifejackets.

The boatcrew came alongside two of the men and were able to pull them safely aboard the response boat. One of the men was struggling to keep afloat. At this time, one of the Coast Guard crewmembers entered the water to assist and bring him to the MLB. The three men were showing symptoms of hypothermia.

At approximately 3:35 p.m., the rescue crew arrived back to La Push and transferred to EMS from Forks, Wash.

Their current condition is unknown.

The vessel sank with several hundred gallons of diesel fuel onboard. Pollution responders are currently investigating any potential maritime hazards to the public or marine life.

A Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew launched to examine the area for oil sheening.

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