The demise of the 89-year-old 70-ft wooden hulled Norwester is still playing out three weeks after she was grounded on a reef in the San Juan Islands. The yacht went aground near Stuart Island on the westerly side of Prevost Harbor on April 17, 2021. The vessel has been adrift in the Salish Sea ever since. By May 8, the vessel had drifted over toward Henry Island.
Photo on the left by Emma Corbilla and Chris Teren took the aerial photo on the right.
Owners Rick and Jackie Rutherford created a Norwester Foundation. a few days after the grounding and sought to raise $250,000 immediately to stop the Norwester from sinking and $1.5 million to rebuild the vessel. According to reports, the yacht was not fully insured.
Whatcom County Sheriff’s boat helped offload eight people, a dog and equipment from the Norwester.
According to Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office: WCSO Marine Patrol Deputies were conducting regular patrol along the US/Canada border in the area just north of Patos Island lighthouse when they heard a MAYDAY call from the vessel Norwester. The vessel was taking on water and had eight adults on board.
Knowing that the US Coast Guard was working farther to the west, deputies responded and arrived ten minutes later. They were the first government vessel on the scene and were assisted by several private boaters.
Deputies positioned WCSO’s 27-foot Lifeproof Patrol Vessel along the port bow of the Norwester and safely transferred the eight passengers and a dog onto their patrol vessel. No one was injured.
“Although this incident occurred in neighboring San Juan County, rescue knows no boundaries and we are fortunate to have great relationships with all of our marine partners who are willing to respond in a moment’s notice for those in distress,” said WCSO Lieutenant Huso. “Several private boaters who had been in the area were also actively involved in the rescue effort. Their willingness to respond to such a tragedy is highly appreciated and a testament to the bond between fellow boaters.”
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