Date: Oct. 28, 2005
Contact: PA3 Adam Eggers
(206) 220-7237

DRIFTING BOAT PROMPTS UNNECESSARY SEARCH

SEATTLE - The Coast Guard and Swinomish Tribal Police Department investigated a report of a man overboard after a 17-foot boat was found adrift between Cornet Bay, Wash., and Skagit Island, Wash., Monday afternoon.

The fishing boat was found with several full crab pots onboard with another filled crab pot over the side.

A Swinomish Tribal Police boat began the search and requested Coast Guard assistance.  Coast Guard Group/Air Station Port Angeles, Wash., launched an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter and Coast Guard Station Bellingham, Wash., diverted two 25-foot response boats to assist in the search around 12:45 p.m. 

About an hour later, Swinomish Tribal Police received a phone call from the vessel’s owner informing them that three neighbors had borrowed the boat the night before to go crabbing.  The police spoke with the three people and verified they were safe.  They explained a crab pot was used in place of an anchor to secure the boat on the beach.. 

This case illustrates the need for mariners to be fully prepared to operate safely and effectively during any weather conditions.  Mariners are also encouraged to complete advanced boating skills courses provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron.

Although an anchor is not part of the required boating safety equipment, having an anchor onboard can prevent vessels from drifting further or going aground during a maritime emergency.

There are several simple things that every boater can do before setting out that can drastically reduce the risk of accidents and prevent serious injuries or death.  Some tips to remember:
      1. Always have sufficient personal floatation devices of proper size for each person aboard.
      2. File a float plan.  Notify a friend or relative of your trip, where you are going, provide a description of your boat and when you expect to return.
      3. Remember the rule of thirds; one third tank of fuel for the trip out, one third for the return trip, and one third for a reserve or for an emergency.
      4. Carry a VHF marine radio.  Cell phones are convenient, but phone batteries can die, reception is not as strong at sea and cell phones can’t broadcast to other boaters in the area in case of an emergency.

Get a Free Vessel Safety Check
Make sure your boat is in top operating condition.  Poor mechanical condition is the leading cause of 98 percent of all search and rescue cases.  You also need to ensure that you have the proper safety equipment on board.  Vessel Safety Checks performed by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons provide a bow-to-stern inspection of a boat's condition and safety equipment.  Coast Guard Auxiliarists and U.S. Power Squadron members perform these checks and provide expert assistance and recommendations on how you can make your boat safe.  You can request a safety check or find a location near you by going to; www.uscgaux.org/~130/ or, www.usps.org

Take a Boating Course
Good basic training is another key ingredient in the safe boating recipe.  There are a wide variety of courses available, many to suit your individual boating needs and your schedule.  Some new programs, such as America's Boating Course or ABC, sponsored jointly by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons, are available online. You can find the ABC course by going to: "www.americasboatingcourse.com, www.uscgaux.org/~130/, www.usps.org

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The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.