On Friday, July 8, 2011 at 12:05 a.m. San Juan County 9-1-1 received a report of a vessel sinking, with people in the water in the Wasp Passage area near Shaw Island.

Deputies responding to the area located the 22 foot boat aground, on the rocks at Low Island. Seven people were rescued with minor to serious injuries and hypothermia. All were transported to Friday Harbor where they were treated by EMS personnel. Two patients were sent to St Josephs Hospital in Bellingham by helicopter.

The vessel was a 22 foot Reinell fiberglass boat. It was involved in commercial tribal crabbing operations. The boat was owned/operated by Henry T. JACKSON, 42, of Suquamish, WA.

Passengers aboard the vessel were:

  • James F. ANDERSON, 29 of Suquamish, WA
  • Jay MILLS, 27 of Indianola, WA
  • Thomas M JEFFERSON, 44 of Bellingham, WA
  • Andrew J JEFFERSON, age/hometown unknown
  • Frank OLSEN,   of Lummi, WA  (to St Joseph’s)
  • A 17 year old male from Chehalis (to St Joseph’s)

Details on injuries and patient condition are unavailable at this time. The crash is being investigated by the San Juan County Sheriffs Office assisted by the US Coast Guard. Alcohol is believed to be a factor contributing to this incident.

There was no apparent fuel/chemical spill. The Coast Guard and Washington Department of Ecology are monitoring the environmental aspects of the incident.

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