Sometimes I don't get it

This 36' Sea Ray, a twin engine boat, was having problems with one of her engines at Blakley Island. The owner wanted her towed to Roche Harbor for repairs. A 3.25 hr job. I made it back to "Diligence" at 21:45

Another Day - Another Bayliner

This 24' Bayliner was adrift near the Canadian Boarder off Stuart Island. I actually went to get her during the break we had working the 42' Glass Ply below. She was towed to Roche Harbor. A 2.25 hr job.

Aground @ Bird Rock

This 42' Glass Ply went aground at Bird Rock off Crane Island this morning. I got the folks off th boat, coordinated coms with the Coast Guard and took them ashore. The elderly owners have mobility problems. I'll go back with a crew member this afternoon as the tide comes up to get her off the rock.

Grounding Location (click to enlarge)

Afternoon update:

Covering any liability issues, the Coast Guard ATON (Aids to Navigation) team from Seattle (about 65 miles one way) arrives via small boat to insure the Light on Bird Rock is showing.
correctly.

She came off the rock about 14:40. There was little damage as she came to rest on her keel and the port bilge keel.

We had 4.3 hrs involved in this two part job.

"Diligence" Hat Contest 4.0

I'm looking for a short catchy new name for this blog. The "Vessel Assist & Rambling Maritime Information" description will remain.

The person that comes up with the best suggestion will win. Please be sure to Google your entry to make sure it isn't being used elsewhere; i.e "BoatGeek" Here are a few short rules:

1. You can not be a previous Hat Contest winner.
2. All submissions must be made in the comment section of this post.
3. The contest will end on August 6, 2007 - midnight PDT (US)
4. The winner must agree to have his or her picture taken with the hat and have that picture posted on this blog.

Check back, as the winner will be announced on August 7, 2007. At that point the winner can send me an email and I'll arrange for delivery.

If you've followed this page since it's inception, you know that this is the fourth in a series of Hat Contests.

Native Canoes

LUMMI RESERVATION — Thousands flocked to the shores of Lummi Reservation on Monday as nearly 80 canoes landed there — some after almost a month of travel — marking the start of the weeklong Intertribal Canoe Journey.


The past few days I seen a number of traditional Native Canoes. See the full story, and additional video on the Bellingham Herald website HERE.

8/1/07 an additional story is up on goSkagit HERE.

Dewatering and a short tow

This 21' Bayliner Trophy, "Annihilator," was taking on lots of water (most probably a bad boot) at the Port of Friday Harbor.

Our 12v pump finishing the job.

I arrived in "Salvation," dewatered the boat and towed her to the ramp a mile away at Shipyard Cove. A short 1.8 hr job.

The Long Haul - Des Moines WA

28' Bayliner in tow off Deception Island

The tow of this 28' Bayliner is the longest job in my five seasons with Vessel Assist. Because of the Small Craft Advisories, and Gale Force Wind Warnings we took the long (protected) route from Deer Harbor to Des Moines, 97 nautical miles - 14.7 hrs going and 6.2 hr return.

Yesterday I visited on the radio with Tim Flanagan of Navagear. He purchased his fine C-Dory, "Tow Lucky Fish," from USMA grad, Capt. Mac Lamay.

This morning while approaching Deception Pass, I saw and chatted with Phil Keys, an old Port Townsend buddy, aboard his 36' Willard "Kathy K." His three sons were aboard celebrating Phil's 70th birthday.

Approaching the Deception Pass Bridge

The Victoria Clipper chose the protected route as well

The Norwegian Pearl off Elliott Bay, Seattle

Alki Point Light - West Seattle

Pass'n Gas - 2007

That's Dear Abby at the Port of Friday Harbor and yes that's diesel,
but pass'n gas sounds better.

Aircraft Assist

Here's the pilot of Kenmore Air's N707KA securing the line of

"Salvation" to his deHavilland Otter.

This plane had lost is steerage. In the maritime world that is the definition of "Not Under Command." The Port of Friday Harbor called me about the this seaplane in San Juan Channel, just off Brown Island.

I off loaded the passengers and took them back to the port.

Removing the luggage.

A few of the passengers taking pics.

The pilot turned down this Good Sam.

Empennage

Membership Does Have It's Privileges

Sister Ship

Tomorrow and Monday I'll be off towing a 28' Bayliner from Deer Harbor to Des Moines, WA. This 20 - 23 hour round trip (160 nautical miles) would cost the owner $4800, had he not purchased a $158 Vessel Assist Gold membership.

Pictures and story late Monday or Tuesday.

Saltwater Fuel

What's better than turning water into wine? How about turning saltwater into fuel? A boater's dream come true.

An additional story is HERE.

Capt. Darcy Maher

USMA grad, Capt. Darcy Maher

This afternoon after fueling "Remedy," I ran across the 73' "Mycia," with Capt. Mayer at the helm. I got the grand tour of this ten year old vessel.

Darcy was in a class I taught in 2006 in Bellingham.

17.3 hr Tow, Sucia Island - Everett

"Friday Night Flee"

This 30' Roberts Trawler was broken down at Sucia Island. The tow was an all day affair. Trish came down and joined me for dinner. We used my AARP Card for the fist time (LOL) at Holiday Inn The motif was indescribable, as it looked like the decorator had been on a long strange trip.

Saddlebag Island off Anacortes

Crowley's "Ocean Reliance" ATB

That's 14410’ Mt. Rainier in the background, some 100 miles away.

Traditional Native Canoe this morning in Saratoga Passage

Lealea Update - Yesterday

"We Weren't Lost at Sea"

July 25 - Port Angeles, WA

"We weren't lost at sea," wrote Chuck and Laura Rose in response to the July 23 'Lectronic story about their safe arrival in Port Angeles after being reported severely overdue. "We knew exactly where we were at all times.

"We sailed our Albin Vega 27 Lealea out of Honolulu on May 26 (not June 2, as reported) and, in addition to just plain uncooperative wind and sea, we enountered a series of gales after we made our turn to the east, about 1,200 miles from Cape Flattery. That's when our forestay began to unravel. We didn't think it would be wise to hoist a jib for fear that either the stay would break or we would not be able to get the sail back down when we needed to. Our progress was reduced to less than fifty miles a day after that.

"On July 19, while approaching Cape Flattery, we were hailed by several local fishing vessels who had been on the lookout for us. Mahalo nui loa to Captain Roland Gagnon of the trawler Norn who guided us into Neah Bay through dense fog to a berth in the commercial harbor where we were able to get some much needed rest. We have been very moved by the concern shown by the entire boating community here in Northwest Washington for our welfare, from the U.S. Coast Guard personnel to the local fishing fleet and all the residents of Neah Bay.

"We have some work to do on the boat, and we want to spend some time cruising in the Puget Sound area, so, after our late arrival, we're not sure we'll make the Baja Ha-Ha this year, but next year for sure!"

Tow Boat US / Vessel Assist sold to Berkshire Hathaway

The for profit division of Boat US (aka Boat America Corp.,) was sold this week to Warren Buffett's Birkshire Hathaway.

I heard this news yesterday from a local insider. Here is a story published six hours ago in Southern California's The Log:

"ALEXANDRIA, VA - Boat America Corp., which provides member services under contract to BoatU.S., has been purchased by National Indemnity, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Corp.

BoatU.S. and Boat America have been associated as one entity, but both have been legally distinct organizations. Boat America Corp. is the main supplier of towing, insurance and other services to the nonprofit boat owners' association, BoatUS, which has 650,000 members.

The acquisition did not include BoatU.S.

Berkshire Hathaway owns many companies, including Geico Insurance, Fruit of the Loom, HH Brown Shoe Group, NetJets and the Buffalo News.

"This (the acquisition of Boat America Corp.) will give us the ability to grow in the marine market that we haven't had before. Before this, all our growth has been generated internally. Now, we have a much larger parent with $40 billion in the bank," said Mike Sciulla, senior vice president of public affairs.

He added that current management would remain in place.

BoatU.S. offers its members a variety of consumer services, including a group-rate marine insurance program that insures more than 240,000 vessels; a fleet of more than 500 towing assistance vessels nationwide; boat financing; and a membership news publication, BoatU.S. Magazine. It lobbies on behalf of recreational boaters in Washington, D.C., and monitors key boating-related legislation."

Sailors Memorialized in Race

This afternoon I received a message from Mags, the mother of Shelly Hind, Windsor, Ontario, who lost her daughter, in a race on Lake Huron, on July 1, 2001.

You may leave Mags a message on her Yahoo 360 page HERE.

The Hind/Hornet Memorial Regatta held in May, is a double-handed event in the memory of beloved sailors Shelley Hind and Guy Hornet. Taking place the weekend before the Canadian long weekend in May the regatta is a race around Lake St.Clair starting at South Port and ending at Crescent Sail Yacht Club. The Doublehanded Sailing Association website that sponsors the race is HERE.

The incident was chronicled in the September 15, 2001 issue of Sailing World, HERE. This is an excerpt from that article.

"At 1030 we were about 6 miles from Oscoda. The seas had built to 12 to 14 feet, and the wind was ranging from 30 to 45 knots. Everything seemed under control, so we tacked to a course of 15 degrees and continued on, leaving Oscoda behind. We were now heading up and gradually pulling away from the Michigan shoreline. As we continued north the sea state built. The wave period was about 7 seconds and the waves were breaking. It seemed like we’d hit two in a row every 30 seconds or so, just as they were breaking. One thousand gallons of water would rip down the deck. Some of it would peel under the forward lip of the slider hatch, and recreate Niagara Falls in the companionway. Whatever was left—about 990 gallons—would hit the helmsman in the face.

The slamming and pounding was relentless, and whomever was driving had to constantly adjust to take the waves on the nose or the fore quarter and then drive down the backside and come up a bit so as not to drive the bows into the trough. Over one period of two and a half hours, the wind ranged from 40 to 50 knots, never dropping below 40. During that peak our speed slowed to approximately 5 knots. It was amazing how our reactions would switch into auto-mode on the helm; the slamming and pounding even began to seem normal. I asked Bruce if he thought bungie jumping could get like this."

(Ed. note: May God rest their souls. If there is anything to be learned from incidents such as these, it is that they usually stem from a cascade of events. No single factor can be contributed to many disasters at sea. Preparation and early prevention are the keys.)

Aground @ Prevost Harbor

Sister Ship

A 46' Grand Banks, like the one above, called in at 14:55 hard aground at Prevost Harbor. Thirty minutes into the run (at Green Point, Spieden Island) he called back to say the rising tide had got him off the rocks.

This non member was responsible for the one hour of underway time.

Ships vs. Boats

Professional mariners are always concerned about what a yachter might do next. There is much less apprehension with other commercial vessels as the rules are clear.

Most yachters are not aware the Commercial Vessels following VTS do not guard channel 16. Repeatedly I hear local boaters hailing a Washington State Ferry to no avail, then feel as though they are being ignored when there is no response.

A potential collision in the Straits of Gibraltar was highlighted on Google's Maritimelinks.net Bulletin Board HERE.

The 72 ColRegs speak clearly to the situation chronicled above.

The sailor was clearly in the wrong by not maintaining a proper lookout. At the very least he could have set the alarm function on his radar. Considering he was in a very busy choke point he should have not been below. Rules 5 relates to having a lookout by all available means.

In the case of the third mate, Rule 6 (b) vii (c) speaks to scanty radar information - you are not allowed to treat an unknown (scanty radar information) as though it doesn't exist.

You can find the 72 ColRegs online HERE.

Aground @ Yellow Island Reefs

This is the third vessel this summer aground in the same location. This time a 41' Bianca. He had (as others) all of his nav gear; the chart plotter, radar and radio, below at a nav station. They belong at the helm, if they are to do any good.

It's a tough lesson at $30 per foot for the ungrounding fee. He was 10 minutes away and I didn't charge the $200 per hour travel time. The paperwork actually took longer than the ungrounding operation.

I can see the questions forming. Why so much for a five minute operation? In a simple answer, RISK. In order to take a boat off the rocks, we get very close. Call it an expensive occupational hazard, but each summer we have put a rescue boat on the rocks to assist someone. I've done it, the boss has done it and so have most other commercial assistance captains who do an average of 100 calls a season. Putting a boat out over service for repairs can take days, if not weeks. Most operators don't have back up rescue vessels in reserve. Simply put, our fees increase when our risk increases. High winds, working against a lee shore, and tight docking conditions are all cases with increase risk.

BTW, Vessel Assist membership will cover a soft ungrounding (in the mud.) A hard grounding is typically an insurance claim. I suggested that this strand contact his agent to see if he has coverage.

Jump Start @ Prevost Harbor

This 41' Hanse sloop had left his battery switch set to all, for three days, while running his refrigerator through the inverter. This morning there was not enough juice to weigh the anchor.

Had he been a member of Vessel Assist, the jump start would have been covered. His charge for "Remedy" to make the 26 mile round trip and spend 12 minutes on scene; $480.

It was a glorious morning after a week of wet weather. Here are a few pics:

Camp Nor'wester on John's Island

Washington State Ferry "Chalan" in New Channel
en route to Sidney, British Columbia
(Ed. note: they usually use Spieden Channel)

Kenmore Air about to land in Friday Harbor
(Ed. note: the Rules of the Road treat a Sea Plane as a vessel when on or near the water.)

The sinking of the Andrea Doria

It was 51 years ago today, and although I was only four years old, I clearly remember the TV footage leaving an indelible print on my mind.

So classic is the story of the collision of the Andrea Doria and the Stockholm, that I use it in class as an example once we have finished studying the 72 ColRegs. In fact, a number of the rules came about and or were changed as a result of this incident.

Here's a short list of some of causal factors:

1. There was fog, and they slowed by only a few knots, today we slow to bear steerage way when there is another vessel forward of our beam.

2. They had radio's but did not use them to communicate.

3. The Stockholm's RADAR had been set to the 5 mile range. The crew misread it, thinking they were on the 15 mile range, believing they (mistakenly) had three times the margin of error.

....and the list goes on.

A great website dedicated to the incident is HERE.

Washington State to fund new Lummi Island Ferry

(Ed. note: this is an update to yesterday's post.)

The Whatcom County Council voted last night to accept the 8.1 million in state funds for a new Lummi Island ferry.

Story via GKMI AM790, HERE.

Unheard and Unseen

Coast Guard Station Bellingham had put out a MARB (marine assistance request broadcast) for a 25' Bayliner, disabled near the north end of Lummi Island. Being a little out of my way (30 minutes) for the trip home, I called the CG for more information.

The strand's radio was not working, so the CG passed me their phone number. I called and we agreed on a price and I headed north. They didn't have an exact position, just between Sandy Pt, where they'd left from and Matia Island.

When I was a few miles off they said (via phone) that the deep draft taker, en route to the Cherry Point Refinery, was 200 yards away. I called the tanker on Channel 13, bridge to bridge; they had not seen the Bayliner.

They ended up being in the VTS Precautionary Area (think roundabout) of the "Charlie" Buoy.

The strand was wondering why his radio didn't work. As I looked over, there was a sight reminiscent of Smokey and the Bandit. I asked how many channels it had; the answer, "40."

At the end of the tow I suggested they invest in a Marine Radio.

Blown Head Gasket @ the Pump Out Dock

No pun intended - that's where this 23' Sea Ray died. I towed her to Anacortes. The couple from Bakersfield, CA said they'd play tourist for a few days in Skagitt County, where there car was. Just as I was wrapping up this call, when the next one (above) came in.

A Blog Reader Checks In

Oracs Landing

Mr. Rodriguez,

I follow your blog nearly every day. My family and I love the islands and wish we could spend more time there. Reading your blog brings a little bit of the islands into my world on a daily basis. Thank you! We vacationed on Orcas July 8th-14th. We trailered our 19' Glasply over on the ferry and launched at Cayou Quay. We kept the boat at Deer Harbor. I was thankful that I did not need to call you for a tow! Here is a link to the pics I took on vacation. What a beautiful place, where you get to live and work!

Glynn Pennington

(Ed. Note: you can find Glynn's excellent photo album of his San Juan Islands adventure HERE.

Orcas Landing above is a great stop in the islands; a small grocery store, espresso, gelato, the historic Orcas Hotel, and a few tourist shops. )

Local County Ferries

USMA grad, Capt. Janet Rupp working the deck of the "Whatcom Chief"

This evening the Whatcom County Council is voting on the acceptance of 8.1 m from Washington State for the funding of a new ferry. The story is in today's Bellingham Herald, HERE.

Both Whatcom and Skagitt counties operate small ferries to Lummi and Guemes islands respectively.

The "Whatcom Chief" was built in 1962 and the "Guemes" in 1979. Both have regular maintenance issues.

Skagitt County's "Guemes"

"Lealea" Update

Today I called the US Coast Guard's Rescue Coordination Center in Alameda, CA. They serve as the nerve center for all rescue efforts in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. You may recall the "Lealea" post of July 9, 2007, about the 27' Albin Vega.

With only one transfer, I was directed to the appropriate authority. I asked for what details I could get without filing a Freedom of Information request and was pleasantly surprised.

"Lealea" arrived at Neah Bay, Washington, on 7/19/07, some three weeks late on an expected four week crossing. The owners were not hurt. The vessel experienced some damage in heavy seas, slowing her progress.

This afternoon I received an email from a satellite imagery specialist, who is also a sailor, interested in the "Lealea" case. Look for more information as it becomes available, hopefully in the next few days.

It is quite serendipitous, in light of this morning's unsolved mystery post on Jim Gray.

A 25 minute tow

Before I could get "Remedy" tied up from the call below, this call came in for a strand, one tenth of a mile south of the US Boarder in Boundary Pass.

It took 55 minutes to make the run, and the 25' Bayliner was having engine problems. The owner had been working on the engine for two hours and wanted to be towed to the West Sound Marina on Orcas. Twenty five minutes into the tow, he solved the problem.

He was responsible for the 2.4 hours we had in the job. He had a very limited Vessel Assist policy that covered the first hour.

The Reluctant Samaritan

(Ed. note: He put on the PFD, after I a made a strong suggestion.)

Occasionally when we arrive on scene a Good Sam has come along and offered assistance. Most folks would as they can imagine themselves stranded. Few are equipped with the gear, knowledge and experience to deal with a tow. That was the case this morning about an hour south of Friday Harbor in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, off the "RA" Buoy.

While the strand did not call for commercial assistance, experience has taught me that 95% of the time, the boater will accept a contract for a tow, if we are on scene.

The 27' Skagitt Orca, had an overheated engine, and it's kicker was not working as well. Once I inquired as the status of things, the strand said that all was fine. The Good Sam on the other hand was not happy. He was not used to towing, and didn't know how to get the strand to the dock.

The strand understood the reluctance of the Good Sam and accepted the tow, a four hour job.

Here's "Remedy" hooked up to the 27' Skagitt Orca before lengthening the towline.

Mystery still unsolved

You may recall the story of Microsoft researcher Jim Gray, who went missing on a trip to scatter his mother's ashes off San Fransisco in late January.

I actually did a post on this story back on February 5, 2007 HERE. A number of you took up the challenge and participated in search by examining various patches of the Pacific from your computers.

Today Wired Magazine has an extensive post on the incident HERE.

Despite some the best efforts of the Coast Guard and well funded techies, the case is still unsolved.

Denial: Aground @ Blind Bay

The owner of this 32' Bayliner Sportfisher, could not bring himself to call his vessel a Bayliner, he referred to it as a Sportfisher to the CG.

He also said he was not taking on water - he was.

After he was freed, I asked if he'd like for us to arrange for a dive. He was insistent that he was not taking on water, but he asked where he could shop for a diver. I suggested Friday Harbor, where he would have a choice.

When I asked if he knew his way, he indicated that he was VERY familiar with the islands. I bit my tung.

About an hour after I was back at our base, I received a frantic phone call from his wife, saying that they were taking on water and needed a haulout, and or a slip with power, so as not to run down their battery, because the bilge pump was working so hard.

I arranged for a slip at Jensen's. He will be hauled in the morning.

Thinking about running away to Sea - Bring your checkbook

The Faux Four Seasons Ocean Residences still has units for sale on their residential ship. Prices start at $825,000 for a small studio.

The 719' vessel also has a 3,242 sq. ft. penthouse for $7.3 million (plus 500K in yearly fees.) What the hell, you only live once.

A worn impeller

A worn impeller caused an overheated engine on San Juan Safari's "Sea Hawk." Capt. Nancy Hardy (not a pseudonym) called as I was about to start dinner. They were adrift off south entrance to Mosquito Pass.

As I arrived they were transferring passengers to their vessel "Sea Lion," where Nancy's husband Capt. Pete Hardy was the skipper today.

With the owner aboard they were able to effect the repair before we made it to Roche Harbor and "Sea Hawk" was able to dock under her own power.

Reunited: Dingy and Owner

Update from yesterday's post: 7/21/07 12:00 - Happy boater, reunited with his dingy. His Dad had done some calling, (they are from Seattle,) and reached the Sheriff's Office, who referred the owner to us.

He was staying at the Port of Friday Harbor aboard a 30' Catalina. I took the dingy and met him at the fuel dock.

He indicated that he'd seen me with the dingy. I asked why he didn't call. The response, "I don't know how to use the radio."

Blog Reader Sends a Pic and a Few Questions

"Remedy" with tow off Obstruction Island - click to enlarge

Hi Capt. Rodriguez,

My name is John Davidson and I emailed you last winter about home studying for my captains license (which I got this spring, 50 ton master). My wife and I spend almost every weekend at our cabin on Blakely Island, commuting from Anacortes where we keep our boat.

This evening as we were leaving Cap Sante marina we heard a call on 16 reporting a sailboat dragging anchor at the entrance to the marina. We saw the sailboat right by the #2 green daymark a hundred yards out from the breakwater. The power boat reporting it to the CG didn't have a GPS, so I called and gave the Lat. and Long. to CG Port Angeles as they had requested it. The CG asked me if I was willing to give assistance. I was with my wife who does not run our boat, the wind was blowing 15+ knots and it was about a 35' sailboat with no one on board. I thought about what I would have to do: get a line on the sailboat and then have my wife drive our boat while I got on the sailboat and tried to raise the anchor, then after raising the anchor have my wife manuever close enough so I could get back on our boat to tow it out to try and reset the anchor, all near shore with the wind blowing. I responded that I would be reluctant to tie onto it and attempt to re-anchor it without the owners permission. Another boat got on the radio and said they were about 5 minutes away and would be willing to tow it. My question to you is about liability. If I had towed the boat and re-anchored it or took it into the marina, and if the sailboat was damaged either from the anchor dragging again and putting it on the rocks, or I damaged it trying to get it into a slip, what would be my exposure to being sued by the owner?

If there had been someone on board and there was an immediate danger, I wouldn't even hesitate to help, but this was an unoccupied boat that may, or may not have been dragging anchor(I didn't see it moving while we were there). Anyway, it got me thinking about the liability issues involved in this type of situation and we thought you would be the one to ask. We both read your blog (daily)and really enjoy it. You were going through Peavine Pass a couple of weeks ago with a tow and I got a couple of pictures of you. I'll send them if I have them in the camera here. Thanks, John

-----------------

Hi John,

Thanks for the pics and the email, and congrats on the license. If you're ever in FH, stop by for a visit, and if I have a run, you're welcome to join me.

I heard that call last night as well. Your email raises several good questions. The foremost issue for any operation is saftey, can it be done without placing your vessel and crew in jeopardy. In the case you describe, with your wife being unfamiliar with the boat, sounds like a no, particularly with the wind, and shallow water.

A secondary issue is if you were going to undertake the assist as a Good Sam or for hire. If you were doing it as a Good Sam, Washington State offers some protection, providing you act with normal caution. Know that as a licensed mariner, you're held to a higher standard. If you were doing the assist for hire there are the additional issues of having a Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsement, and having your vessel insured for commercial work.

Towing is actually the easy part. It's the initial hook up and hip tow evolution (getting them to a dock) that takes some work.

A harsh reality of the assistance business is one of pay. If the sailboat was in peril you could claim salvage, if you indeed saved it. The situation you described, and that I heard on the radio sounded like salvage to me. Collecting is another issue. Once you put a line on the boat you are responsible for it, including the moorage at Cap. Sante. Could the owner sue? Well, unfortunately our culture is one of litigation. You'd have to spend time, effort and money in defending your actions, even if the suit was frivolous. Did the vessel have value? I know several folks that put their boats on the hook, because the don't have the resources to keep them in a marina. If that was the case with this vessel, chances are you would have a hard time collecting. You could place a lien on the vessel and chain it to the dock. Hum, I wonder what daily rates at Cap Sante are during the season?

And finally, here's how I'd go after a vessel in the conditions that you described. We carry a large five pound shackle. I'd put a bowline on the shackle and attach it to the rode on the sailboat. The weight of the shackle rides down the rode creating a centenary. You then tow the entire mess to deep water, weigh the anchor, and tow the vessel.

Regards,

Capt. Rodriguez

OMGBBQ - Another Dingy

Stephanie, our way cool daughter in law, is fond of signing electronic correspondence with any number of initials - thus the OMGBBQ.

Around noon today, a Good Sam reported that he'd picked up an adrift dingy. After several calls to the CG, and what to do with the dingy, I called and said that we would pick it up.

After securing the dingy, I got the HIN (Hull Identification Number) and reported to the CG and made a report to the San Juan County Sheriff's office.

If the dingy is claimed, the owner will be responsible for the 1.5 hrs we have invested plus any storage fees. If the dingy is not claimed in 90 days, one word - Craigslist.

July 4, Vessel Assist Statistics

Here are the top five reasons why over 3,500 boaters have been helped by TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist this week:

1. General engine failure: 57% of cases
2. Battery jumps / electrical: 15% of cases
3. Out of fuel or fuel problems: 10% of cases
4. Soft Grounding: 10% of cases
5. Outdrive / Overheating: 8% of cases

These give more reason to keep a regular engine maintenance plan similar to your car, obtain and know your current charts and never trust your gauges 100%.

Did you know that an average on-the-water tow can cost up to $200/per hr? The clock starts ticking from the time the towboat leaves his port and returns home. If it takes a total of three hours, your bill is $600. If you have a soft ungrounding, it may be over $900.

With a basic BoatUS Membership we will pay the first $50 which leaves you with $550+ to pay. That's why we recommend upgrading to a higher level.

BoatUS offers the largest nationwide fleet with over 500 towboats and 280 ports. We will help you with anything from soft ungroundings to fuel delivery. Please visit BoatUS.com/Towing/ to see what service level is best for you

24' Bayliner to Anacortes

Another day - another Bayliner. This time it was a 24 footer with an engine problem. He initially wanted to go to Cap Sante Marina. After we crossed Rosario Straight, he wasn't sure if he'd spoken to mechanics at Skyline Marine. I suggested he call as the marinas are 7.8 miles apart. We ended up at Cap Sante.

On the trip back to Friday Harbor I crossed paths with the Hawaiian Chieftain in Bellingham Channel.

Restricted Visibility

The fog finally started to clear today.

We've had fog the last few days - heavy fog. I don't usually check into VTS (Vessel Traffic Service,) however when there's fog, I want other commercial vessels to know where I am. Two instances brought home the need to be vigilant when operating in or near fog.

Yesterday afternoon, I received a call from a Vessel Assist member wanting my to guide him to port. When I informed him that VA services didn't cover navigational assistance, he said he'd pay out of pocket. When I asked him his location he wasn't sure. He had a GPS with a chart plotter, and radar, but couldn't use them. When he thought he knew his position, he reported one that could not exist 40.30N, 122.73W. The would put him on a latitude 90 miles north of San Fransisco. The longitude does not exist as the system uses base 60 not base 10. I called the CG on the phone with the info, as I was off on the call below. BTW, this same vessel, a 53' Carver, had been aground off Point Roberts the day before. Some folks don't belong on a boat.

This morning I heard the following exchange on channel 13 (low power, bridge to bridge) between a CG Cutter and a Washington State Ferry:

Cutter: WA Ferry XYZ, this is CG Cutter 123

Ferry: Cutter 123, XYZ

Cutter: Good Morning Sir, I have you on AIS, (Automatic Information System,) request Port to Port

Ferry: I don't know that I can do that as I don't have you in sight

Cutter: Very well sir

3 minutes later

Ferry: 123, XYZ; I now have a visual on you, Port to Port would be fine

Cutter: Thank you, Port to Port, good morning sir

What happen here? Most probably, a very seasoned Ferry Captain politely informed the Cutter that the 72 ColRegs relate to maneuvering only when vessels are in sight of each other. That means that each must see the other. When in or near the fog, no vessel has rights, and you must stay out of the way. There are additional rules relating to the use of RADAR, and not turning toward a vessel that is forward of you.....

US Dept of Fish & Wildlife Tow

A Department of Fish & Wildlife employee training to operate this 33' Safe Boat hit Sucia Reefs making 20' knots. The lower unit of the 225hp Honda was missing when the boat was hauled in Anacortes. We had pea soup fog 90% of the trip.

I spend the evening at home, but needed to be back in Friday Harbor at 08:00 to bring another boat to Anacortes.

The damage, view upon haul out in Anacortes.

Pic taken from my cell phone.

Deja Vous

This is the 20' Bayliner Trophy I towed yesterday afternoon. They decided to go for Anacortes on their 6h outboard, and made it less than a mile when they called.

Here we are looking back at The Island of Doctor Moreau Brown Island.

A Trophy in the Fog

This 20' Bayliner Trophy had mechanical problems off Eagle Pt. on San Juan Island. She had drifted 1.7 miles from her reported position. I wasn't able to see her on radar until I was a half mile away.

Interesting is the fact that she was caught in a back eddy during the 3.7 kt flood. On a flood the current deflects off Salmon Bank and runs counter along South Beach.

Here's the smallest Washington State Ferry "Hiyu," working relief as the Steel Electric boats undergo inspection of their 80 year old hulls.

Things are not always as the appear

Desert First - Summer 2005 – She is NOT on fire

This post is a follow up on the understanding of salvage.

Arriving on the scene of a marine incident is dynamic. The strand is usually nervous, wind and seas are not always calm. Well meaning bystanders sometimes get in the way.

“Desert First” declared a Mayday in Boundary Pass off Waldron Island two summers ago. She ended up being a total constructive loss.

Arriving on scene thick black smoke was billowing from the vessel. The Coast Guard diverted the 110' “Cuttyhunk” from seven miles away (she made the trip in 15 minutes) The Friday Harbor Fire Department dispatched “Confidence” as well. I took the owners aboard “Remedy.”

A whale watching vessel, was on scene with a load of passengers. They had a water cannon and attempted to put water on the boat. Because of the risk to the passengers the Coast Guard had her stand down. Our (now out of business) competition was making way towards the location as well.

As the “Cuttyhunk” arrived they blasted through the port lights with their water cannon. Their fire team would not board the vessel, because of unknowns; propane, gas, and storage of other possible hazardous materials. They poured (sea) water on board for about 30 minutes, until “Desert First” took on a considerable list.

Once “Confidence” arrived, she foamed the vessel.

The competition stated clearly that they were there to salvage they vessel.

Once the smoke had dissipated, we pumped the vessel (with problematic gas trash pumps) and towed her to Anacortes. We did not claim salvage as she did not appear to be sinking, and told the owner so.

The owners kept in contact with me during the insurance follow up. What happened? The diesel engine had run away (owner couldn't get it to stop.) The resulting heat buildup caused the engine oil to overheat and billow the black smoke. Everyone on scene thought she was on fire. What totaled the vessel was damage caused by the water and foam.

The owners purchased the vessel back from the insurance company and had her rebuilt. I actually heard them on the radio last week, but was unable to reach them.

Years ago I had attorney acquaintance say that the value of an object should be based on what you have insured it for.

Assistance vs Salvage

There's a always been a debate about the difference between Assistance and Salvage.

It is important to know that the industry (towing and insurance) considers Assistance as: one boat, one operator, and one line in an effort that expedites the voyage of a vessel.

For an action to be considered salvage it has to meet three criteria:

1. The vessel must be subject to a marine peril.

2. The salvage effort must be voluntary.

3. The salvage effort must be successful, either in whole or in part.

A Supreme Court decision in 1870 and are referred to as "The Blackwall" factors after the name of the vessel involved in the case. In descending order of importance these factors relating to salvage as:

1. The degree of danger (peril) from which the vessel was rescued

2. The post-casualty value of the property saved

3. The risk incurred by the salvor in saving the property from impending peril

4. The promptitude, skill, and energy displayed in rendering the service and saving the property

5. The value of the property employed by the salvors and the danger to which it was exposed

6. The cost in terms of labor and materials expended by the salvors in rendering the salvage service

Salvage contracts may consist of: A percentage of the post salvage value of the vessel, a flat fee, or time and materials. Ethical salvors will point out the differences.

Some great info: HERE

If you are looking for more information on salvage, start HERE

Overheat and a Tow to Blaine

This 42' Grand Banks a broken belt and the engine overheated. She was off Alden Bank and needed a tow to Blaine. A 4.5 hr. job.

We could see downtown Vancouver, BC, some 20 miles away, for most of the trip.

8/1/2007 update. Blog reader Brendon (see comments here) reported that this fine vessel belongs to his in laws.

(Ed. note: Brendon, keep them in your good graces, that's one fine GB)

South Henry Rock

This 18' Chris Craft stuck South Henry Rock this morning and damaged it's wheel. I towed her back to Roche Harbor.

Anchor Line in the Wheel

Twenty minutes after the final pump was cleaned up and put away from the salvage below, I got this three hour call. A 28' Carver had fouled it's anchor rode in it's propeller.

They had list of suggestions on how to get the anchor up. They end up taking my suggestion. I towed the vessel to shallow water, creating a catenary in the line, so the line could be picked up with a boat hook, and secured to a cleat. I then towed the vessel to deeper water so the anchor could be weighed. The vessel was in Davis Bay and I towed it to a dock in Barlow Bay.

Bonus, the trip back - dusk in the San Juans.

Anatomy of a Mayday / Salvage

We were doing some necessary maintenance on “Remedy,” when a Mayday came over the radio. Here's the substance of what followed.

11:30 48' Bayliner departs Roche Harbor on a -2 ft tide.

11:40 Bayliner calls Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. They are taking on water and thier pumps were not keeping up. They had struck a rock rounding Davidson Head, but decided to continue to Friday Harbor, although Roche Harbor was less than a mile away, behind them. They were making 6 knots.

11:40 While the Coast Guard is collecting all of the information, we put the dewatering pumps on “Remedy” aboard “Salvation” and I get underway for Spieden Channel. Les gathers our salvage equipment and dive gear and is underway in “Blue Heron.”

The Coast Guard tasks a 32' Safe Boat from Station Bellingham, and a Helicopter from Port Angeles.

12:05 I choose to run at full speed, 30 kts, ignoring all Good Sam radio chatter with the Coast Guard. Arriving on scene there are about 12 boats are milling around offering everything from buckets to hand pumps.

(note: Two seasons ago we stopped carrying two inch gas Trash Pumps for dewatering in favor of 2,000 GPH 12v bilge pumps that can be connected to a battery. Our experience was that the gas pumps were difficult to start, prime and keep running)

We got the four pumps on board and begin to dewater the vessel. Les arrived on scene and serves as the salvage master.

12:10 A diver we contracted with arrived on scene, he had a gas trash pump, and began the process to start and prime his pump, but has difficulties. It took 10 minutes to get the pump going.

12:15 With “Salvation” along side as the power plant for the pumps, we beganto gain ground. The Bayliner then took on a noticeable nose down position. The water was shifting. We placed a pump forward and things began to improve. My role was to manage comms with the Coast Guard and help direct the flow of traffic.

12:25 The Coast Guard helicopter arrived, asks if we'd like an additional pump lowered, and we decided that it's not necessary. Our diver entered the water and begins to patch the hole in the Bayliner with Splash Zone, a marine epoxy.

A 48' sailboat had gone aground off Roche Harbor, and were looking for assistance at the same time. Cody West, the 14 year old son of our other captain, takes the initiative by grabbing a 14' Boston Whaler and heads for the sailboat. He's went with his Dad once to get a sailboat off the rocks. Cody effectively manages a halyard tow and freed the vessel. They reward him with $100.

12:45 The Coast Guard Safe Boat arrived on scene from Station Bellingham. Aboard were four Coasties and two Customs / Boarder Patrol officials. They had an additional gas powered trash pump, and decided to put it aboard. They spend 20 minutes trying to start and prime the pump. While it started, it did not prime or work. Coast Guard Group Port Angeles was on the radio requesting regular updates. For the next hour we had six people working to keep the pumps operating and moving dewater the vessel.

13:46 I took the Bayliner in tow for Shipyard Cove.

16:07 We secure the Bayliner at Shipyard Cove. We continue to dewater the boat and Les dives on it to place a more secure patch.

17:15 The Bayliner stopped taking on water, we placed a 115v eclectic pump sump pump on the vessel as a backup. Then the clean up process of gear and equipment began.

18:00 The job was completed.

Grounding Location off Roche Harbor

Here's the rock

Here she is with five pumps aboard.

The Coast Guard (with Customs Officials) joined us about an hour into the salvage. Their gas pump didn't prime.

Pizza and a Movie

At 15:00 yesterday, a call came to tow this disabled 30' Hunter (baclamed) from Sucia to Anacortes. The five hour trip would put me there in time to spend the evening at home with Trish.

En route we passed "Sierra" with her escort tugs, bound for the refinery at Ferndale, WA. That's Lummi Island in the background.

The Icom M72

The Icom M72 is my handheld of choice. It's no secret that I'm a gadget freak and have owned a number of handhelds over the years.

While there are units that are lighter, smaller, and carry more features, I keep coming back to the M72. Being a ham (WB6NAH), I'm sold on Icom, and Standard (Yeasu) brands.

During the summer the radio is on 24/7 because of work. When away from the boat, I take it it to town for chores and use it around the docks. (Note, if I get a call I use the cell to call the CG, as you are not allowed to use a portable from land.)

It's greatest feature for me is the ergonomics - it just feels right. It's waterproof, has a metal case, great sound, and in high power has 6 watts. The clip on the back is hurky and will hang on to just about anything. It the receive mode, a charge will last what seems like forever. The radio also has a further range than other handhelds I've used.

Capt. John Konrad over at gCaptain chimes in.

Tim Flanagan at Navagear likes it too.

Pricing for the M72 is HERE.

A Bad Tranny

At 16:55 I picked up this 26 foot Wellcraft off Danger Shoal, bound for Bellingham. We arrived at 22:45. Bellingham Bay was snotty, as usual.

I found my way to Anacortes, arriving at 23:58, making for my longest day in the five years I've been towing.

Tide Point, Cypress Island about 20:30 last night.

Short Job

Arriving at Roche Harbor around 15:15, I picked up this 32' Sea Ray, bound for Friday Harbor. She'd hit a rock in Mosquito Pass. An hour into the tow I got a call from Vessel Assist Center, to take a boat, near Roche Harbor, to Bellingham, a six hour tow. Les met me in San Jaun Channel for the pass off.

(Ed note: That's Spieden Island in background. She is the largest (516 acres) privately held island in the San Jauns.)

Guardian

Leaving Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes I ran across USMA grad, Capt. Bill Comming, the Sheriff of San Juan County. Bill was in my first USMA course, in Friday Harbor, four years ago.

"Guardian," is the Sheriff Department's newest vessel.

A Chocolate Mess

This 30' Islander had problems. The owner had wanted a tow to Anacortes from Roche Harbor two weeks ago. After joining Vessel Assist he called for a tow, because of a blown head gasket. En route the boat developed a leak as well. I put a pump aboard to keep up with the water.

I'd left Friday Harbor at 07:45 and arrived in Anacortes at 13:13. Going through Thatcher Pass the call came for my next tow; Roche Harbor (two hours away) to Friday Harbor, putting back me in port around 18:00.

(Ed note: the pic above is from West Sound on Orcas Island, looking back at Turtleback Mountain. She was save from development last summer.)

Rescue Tug Agreement Renewed

The State of Washington has signed a $1.4 m agreement (it's eighth) with Crowley Marine to station a rescue tug at Neah Bay, WA. for a six month period. In the last seven years the program has assisted 33 vessels. At stake is the Olympic National Marine Sanctuary and other environmentally sensitive areas.

See the story in The Columbian, HERE.

Additional story in the Peninsula Daily News, HERE.

Out of Fuel - NOT

This 34' Uniflight calld needing a tow from Reid Harbor to a repair facility, as the engine would not start. When I arrived, he thought he was out of fuel.

It turns out that he had mismanaged a fuel transfer from one tank to the other. He got the boat started but wanted me to follow him to Roche Harbor. 2.7 hours of "work." Ouch....

Roche Harbor Resort at 20:08. They were full tonight. The annual cruise of the Portland (OR) Yacht Club was in full swing.

The Hydra Spider

This strange looking vehicle labelled the “Hydra Spyder” is an amphibious car that’s at home making waves on a lake or simply cruising down an interstate highway. Complete with its aluminum hull, Corvette sourced V8 engine and jet impeller, the Hydra Spyder is tipped to be the first mass-produced amphibious vehicle in the US, according to the Associated Press. The car or boat, whatever you want to call it, is the creation of 46 year old inventor John Giljam whose other works include an amphibious luxury RV.

The Terra Wind - let me tow this bad boy. In 3-5' seas in the marine invironment and this thing would be toast.

Thanks to my friend Cherei over on Yahoo! 360 for the avove

A Pleasant Surprise

A five hour round trip earlier today of a 37' Jeanneau from Spencer Spit to Marine Service Center in Anacortes. She had a switch that needed to be replaced.

The owner, a retired Coast Guard Officer, and Academy Graduate, really knew his stuff, was actually easy to work with, and had great communication skills.

I need one of these

The HydroSlider

Hammacher Schlemmer product page

I would have offered to do the demo, but somehow a middle aged guy, with the wrong jiggling parts wouldn't sell.

Steel Electric Woes Continue

In an update to yesterday's post on the troubled 80 year old Steel Electric class boats of the Washington State Ferry system comes news that the 40 year old 34 car Hiyu will temporarily serve as the inter island ferry.

The San Juan Islander story is HERE.

This page did a post on the Hiyu back on June 15, 2007.

This from today's San Juan Update

The little ferry that could...returns
My Washington State Ferry friends wanted me to tell you the Hiyu is back to do the inter-island run, like it used to in the '90s (photo by Robert Demar):

The 59-car Illahee has temporarily been removed from service awaiting the additional inspection, so the 87-car Evergreen State has taken its place serving the San Juan inter-island route. Starting July 15, the 34-car Hiyu will operate on the inter-island route for 1 week while the Evergreen State is at the ferry system’s Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility for its required, annual inspection.

Here is the Illahee hauled out at Dakota Creek Shipyard in Anacortes for her hull inspection. I passed her on the tow, tow posts above today.

Boston Ferry Collision - Yesterday

Yesterday, I posted information over on gCaptain's discoverer news service (I am wb6nah there) relating to the above incident which happened earlier that morning in heavy fog. Today video was made available as the first investigators arrived on scene. The damage is obvious.

There is a lot of hand wringing going on about the lack of AIS (automatic identification system - a transponder) and the use of the VHF (radio.) Several blogs I follow have posts today relating to the incident; gCaptain Blog and Panbo (the marine electronics blog.)

More basic to the discussion about electronics that might have prevented the collision should be the following of the 72 ColRegs (Rules of the Road.)

The rules simply state that no vessel has the right of way in the fog; that a vessel should maintain bare steerage way when they hear a fog signal, apparently forward of their beam; and that if in doubt, you should, slow down, stop, or reverse to further assess the situation. Additional rules speak to the use of radar and maintaining of a watch by all available means.

Particularly troubling is that the Coast Guard learned of the collision from the Massachusetts State Police who received a 911 call from a passenger.

See more news stories on the collision HERE.

Yellow Island Reefs Strike Again

This 34' sailboat went hard aground as the operator was attempting to put fuel in the tanks. He had been sailing and had enough fuel to maneuver at the fuel dock. You may remember that Yellow Island Reefs were featured two days ago as one of the places not to visit in the San Juans.

Need a Tow? (Just for Fun)

My friend Cherei over on Yahoo! 360 posted this pic this morning, making some snide reference to "Diligence," in her blog on car maintenance.

Aground @ Jensen's Shipyard

This 37' sailboat went aground entering Jensen's shipyard on a -1.9 tide this morning. She drafts 5.5 feet. When asked if the strand had checked the tides he replied, "I don't think so." Neither do I.

Do to a very narrow channel, I side tied to his bow and pushed him out.

Sometimes I wish we had a stupidity surcharge.

80 year old Washington Ferries Issues Raised Again

(Ed note: The Steel Electric ferries were originally built for runs on San Fransisco Bay, prior to the bridges being built.)

The water-tight integrity of the ferries' hulls has "been compromised repeatedly" over the past year because of the corrosive effects of salt water on aging steel, wrote J.D. Dwyer, chief of the Coast Guard's inspection division in Seattle.

"These occurrences are serious in nature, and indicate that the current preventive maintenance and inspection schedule is not sufficient for this class of ferry," he added.

See the full story in the Everett Harold HERE.

Washington State Ferry vessel info HERE.

My editorial on the replacements for these vessels HERE.

Radio Watch

We listen to the radio 24/7. Understanding what is happening and interpreting a nervous strand can be challenging.

HERE is an actual Mayday call to Coast Guard in Miami. Calls here are much the same. Kudos to both the US and Canadian Coast Guards for their work.

(Ed note: you may have to adjust the sound as this call, like many, is over modulated)

Capt. DeWeese Pays a Visit

USMA grad, Capt. Charlie DeWeese and his First Mate Riley were in town over night. We got together for breakfast and talked, you guessed it, boats.

On the Beach (that's 50 runs this season)

We had wind last night, and this 50' Trimaran ended up on the beach. It took a little bit of doing but we got her to the dock.

Here we are side tied to wedged between her main hull and port ama. With 15 kts of wind it took too attempts to get her on the dock. This mess didn't back for beans.

Nautical Superstitions

Fun stuff from Pacific Offshore Rigging

It is unlucky to start a cruise on Friday.
This is the day Christ was crucified on.

Never start a voyage on the first Monday in April.
This is the day that Cain slew Able.

Don't start a voyage on the second Monday in August.
This is the day Sodom & Gommrrah was destroyed.

Starting a cruise on Dec. 31 is bad.
This is the day Judas Iscariat hanged himself.

Black traveling bags are bad luck for a seaman.
(I'm screwed, as all my bags are black)

Avoid people with red hair when going to the ship to begin a journey.
Red heads bring bad luck to a ship, which can be averted if you speak to the red-head before they speak to you. (This explains everything, Trish is a red head)

Avoid Flat-footed people when beginning a trip.
They, like red heads, are bad luck. The danger can be avoided by speaking to them before they speak to you.

A stolen piece of wood mortised into the keel will make a ship sail faster.

A silver coin placed under the masthead ensures a successful voyage.

Disaster will follow if you step onto a boat with your Left Foot first.

Pouring wine on the deck will bring good luck on a long voyage.
A libation to the gods.

Throwing stones into the sea will cause great waves and storms.

A stone thrown over a vessel that is putting out to sea ensures she will never return.

Flowers are unlucky onboard a ship.
They could later be used to make a funeral wreath for the dead.

Priests are not lucky to have on a ship.
They dress in black and perform funeral services.

Women on board a ship make the sea angry.

A naked woman on board will calm the sea.
This is the reason for naked figureheads. (Any volunteers?)

Don't look back once your ship has left port as this can bring bad luck.

Black cats are considered good luck and will bring a sailor home from the sea.

Sighting a curlew at sea is considered bad luck.

A cormorant sighted at sea is bad luck.

Dolphin swimming with the ship are a sign of good luck.
Killing one will bring bad luck.

It is unlucky to kill an albatross.

It is unlucky to kill a gull.
They contain the souls of sailors lost at sea.

Handing a flag thru the rungs of a ladder is bad luck.

Loosening a mop or bucket overboard is a sign of bad luck.

Repairing a flag on the quarterdeck will bring bad luck.

Turning over a hatch will cause the hold to fill with seawater.

Cutting your hair or nails at sea is bad luck.
These were used as offerings to Proserpina, and Neptune will become jealous if these offerings are made while in his kingdom.

Church Bells heard at sea mean someone on the ship will die.

St. Elmo's Fire around a sailors head means he will die within a day.

When the clothes of a dead sailor are worn by another sailor during the same voyage, misfortune will befall the entire ship.

If the rim of a glass rings stop it quickly or there will be a shipwreck.

Never say the word Drowned at sea.

The caul of the head of a new-born child is protection against drowning and will bring the owner good luck.

The feather of a wren slain on New Years Day, will protect a sailor from dying by shipwreck.

A ships bell will always ring when it is wrecked.

A shark following the ship is a sign of inevitable death.
Sharks were believed to be able to sense those near death.

A sailor who died from violence or being lost at sea was said to go to "Davy Jone's Locker".

A sailor with over 50 years of service was said to go to "Fiddler's Green" when he died.

"SV Lealea" Overdue

Photo of "SV Lealea"

Model of a 27' Albin Vega

For the past several days, Coast Guard - Group Port Angeles and Victoria (BC) Coast Guard Radio have been putting out a request for information on the 27' sailboat "Lealea" overdue on trip from Honolulu to Fisherman's Bay on Lopez Island, 3.3 miles from here.

This evening, during dinner I decided to do a quick Google search on her, and found their plans and itinerary HERE. I called our contact at Group PA and and emailed Victoria CG Radio, with the info.

Here are their plans:

After provisioning we will sail for Puget Sound and the annual Pacific Northwest VEGAtarian Rendezvous at Fisherman’s Bay, Lopez Island, WA the last weekend of June. The voyage will take approximately four weeks. We plan to spend time with friends and family in Victoria, Vancouver, Gig Harbor and Seattle and cruising the San Juan islands before heading South, down the coast, stopping occasionally along the way, to San Diego where we will join the Baja Ha-Ha cruising rally and race to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in October. From Cabo we intend to make for French Polynesia to explore the Marquesas, Tahiti, Moorea etc. By then we will have extended, modified or abandoned our original plan. Eventually, we will make our way to New England and our farm in Vermont. At this point, we expect that to take two or three years.

7/19/07 Update: The CG reported that "Lealea" had been located, but there were no details.

Unhappy Camper

Another 28' Bayliner! This short tow was 30 minutes long, and the owner was one of the least pleasant folks I've debt with in a long time.

A Strand Comments (first time)

Back on June 10, 2007 I did a short tow of a 26' center cockpit Dawson, "Mellow Yellow." The owner just made a comment on that post HERE. That's a first.

Several folks I've towed know about this page. When most ask about the camera, I usually say I taking pics for my (electronic) scrapbook. When pressed I give the address of this page.

Rarely do I give names, to protect the innocent.

Frequently Hit Rocks and Reefs, San Juan Islands

Click to enlarge

Lots of boats go aground in the San Juan Islands. Here's a quick list of the frequently hit locations. You can find an interactive chartlet in Google Maps HERE.

By far the biggest money maker has been Shirttail Reef in Wasp Passage. We've seen folks follow supposed ferry routes on tourist maps - you name it.

Unless you have intimate local knowledge, do not take short cuts. Kelp, whirlpools, and ripples are all signs of shallow water.

Some folks think if they follow another boat they will be safe - not so. Bottom line, know where you are.

-----

7/11/07 update: a note from Stu on Crane Island

We live on Crane Island and I am surprised that you haven't had many
rescues on the north-east corner of Crane entering Pole Pass from the
north. There are rocks that are barely covered at moderate tides and
exposed at low tide. We have walked out on the rocks severely times to
help boaters who are stuck.

Don't cut too close to Crane when entering Pole Pass from Deer Harbor.

I love your blog.

----

Response: Thanks for your note. I know those rocks, and always favor the Orcas side of Pole Pass.

----

(Ed note: I can only recall pulling one boat off the rocks in this position in the last five seasons.)

A tow home and a Pic Nic

A 21.5' Sea Ray reported himself 200 yards the Lopez Ferry Terminal. He was actually 1.6 miles off the ferry dock and wanted a tow to Skyline Marina in Anacortes (home.) A quick call home and I gave Trish our ETA, and asked her to meet me for a Pic Nic.

En route we passed these canoeists from Camp Four Winds on Orcas. Canoes are not the most stable craft for our local waters.


This is one of my favorite island properties on Balkely Island. We passed it not too far from the canoeists above.

Young Island

Trish and I anchored in Peartree Bay for two hours, shared a pic nic dinner and only saw one boat, before I headed back to Friday Harbor.

Many thanks to USMA grad, Capt. Mike Lindquist aboard "Salmonator," for the prawns on our return to Skyline Marina.

Birthday Boy Tow

This 26' Olympic belongs to the the University of California - Davis Sea Doc Program on Orcas Island. I towed her last year after an electrical fire off Pt. Caution. Today's problem was an overheating engine in Canoe Cove. We went back to West Sound.

The operator had been called to Canoe Cove on a work related trip, a cover for a surprise 40th birthday party, over the weekend. Upon leaving today the boat had problems.

One of his questions, "Will this appear in the blog?" I promised to be kind.

En route we passed this home and observatory in West Sound.

While returning to Friday Harbor, the next call (above) came in.

It's a Dark and Stormy Night

This is Vessel Assist Whidbey's 44' Motor Life Boat

I've been on the phone this evening (23:00) with my colleagues Capt. John Aydelotte of Vessel Assist Whidbey and Capt. Roger Slade of Vessel Assist Port Hadlock. We all have turf that meets near Smith Island. This evening both John and Roger had boats out. The weather is so rotten that John won't take his 44' Motor Life Boat back across the straits, and is spending the night here in Friday Harbor. Roger's boat started on a call to Smith Island and turned back. His captain has Coast Guard coxswain experience on 47' Motor Life Boats.

Eight to ten foot seas are raging eight miles from here. I just looked outside, and it looks like a mill pond.

7/8/07 update. Capt. Aydelotte and I had breakfast this morning a shared a few sea stories.

Congratulations, Captain Watson

Robin Watson called to say that his Master's License had arrived in the mail. He was in a class last fall on Orcas Island. Here he is doing some serious chart plotting.

Point Roberts Stand Down

At 19:15 a call came from a 26' sailboat beclamed (with engine problems) four miles south of the Point Roberts Marina. I responded via radio to the call along with two towers from Canada. The had a longer ETA and customs issues, but I prevailed got the run. Legally they can't come into US waters to do a tow to a US port. Some do without clearing customs, hoping they won't get caught.

30 minutes into the run (in President's Channel) I got a phone call saying the wind was freshing and they no longer needed assistance. They were gracious and paid for the hour we had invested.

(Ed Note: For those of you not familiar with the NW, check out Point Roberts, WA, a non contiguous part of the USA. In 1846, Point Roberts was designated a U.S. territory. Point Roberts is a peninsula of approximately seven square miles, extending south from the lower mainland of British Columbia, Canada, into the Strait of Georgia. With Water on three sides, and Canada to the North, Point Roberts is geographically isolated from the U.S. mainland, and can only be reached by plane, vessel, or by traveling 26 miles via a Canadian highway.)

On the return trip I came across USMA classmate, Capt. Ward Fay. He operates Aura out of the Deer Harbor Resort on Orcas Island. She is a 33' Blanchard 1949.

A few miles from Aura I came across a group of Northwest steamboat enthusiasts. Here are a few pics of their vessels off McConnell Island.

The one above is a little unique. BTW: USMA grad, Capt. Fred Beeks is a member of this group, but was not present.

(note: I was kind of surprised as the above pics are from my 1.3 magapixel phone.)

OH Nooooooo......Not "Glacier Spirit"

Yes Mr. Bill, this one may hurt. It seems that our friend an colleague, Capt. Roger Slade had a problem this afternoon. Serving as the Captain of "Glacier Spirit," he has responsibility for the safety of the vessel, crew and passengers.

While getting away from the dock here in Friday Harbor this afternoon, "Glacier Spirit's" deck hand got the stern line fouled in the wheel. We were called to clear the line, and made a grand production of it. This one was on the house, just for the sport of it.

Yesterday "Glacier Spirit" hit a log on the way home and had to be hauled out to have it's wheel fixed.






(Ed note: Capt. Slade is a buddy. In addition to his duties aboard "Glacier Spirit," he operates Vessel Assist Port Hadlock, and is a fellow instructor for the United States Maritime Academy.)

"Empress of the North" Returns to Service - Today

You may recall the grounding of the "Empress of the North" back on May 14, 2007. See the post HERE.

Today she departs from Seattle, shiny and new ready to go. While the Coast Guard has given her a clean bill of health the National Transportation Safety Board has concerns about her life saving equipment, specifically her evacuation equipment and life rafts. A Seattle PI story is HERE.

Editorial: Washington state needs new ferries -- now

By Bruce Buls, Technical Editor, Workboat.com

Washington state needs to stop screwing around and build some new ferryboats.

For years, the state’s Legislature, the Department of Transportation and the Washington State Ferries, one of the DOT agencies, have been trying to figure out how to get some new boats. In the process, the state has spent millions of dollars working with naval architects, expert review panels and the like, and still we have no new boats.

The process has also been plagued with lawsuits and other disputes between the state and shipyards interested in building the boats. Nichols Brothers, which recently delivered a new car ferry for Pierce County (lucky them), finally threw up its hands and withdrew from the competition.

At one point, the state said it wanted four new 130-car ferries and sent out RFPs for that design. Then WSF decided that what it really wanted was 144-car ferries. But it had to go back to the Legislature for approval and additional funding.

Meanwhile, the old Steel Electric class of ferries, which was built in 1927, is falling apart. In mid March, WSF had to take the Klickitat out of service because a crack in the ancient hull was leaking water. And because they didn’t have any other boat available that could work the Keystone-Port Angeles run, the service between those two points was completely suspended until the ferry could be drydocked and repaired. Fortunately for all involved, Todd Pacific in Seattle was able to make the repairs very quickly and the boat was only out of service for a couple days.

But then on March 20, the Klickitat encountered unusually rough weather en route to Keystone and a large wave smashed over the aft end and shoved several cars and trucks into each other.

Given the conditions of this crossing, which includes running through extremely busy shipping lanes, these old boats must be replaced.

From what I hear, there’s new legislation pending that would change the rules of the game, again, for building new ferries.

The only excuse for all this fussing about is bureaucratic bungling and politics. From naval architects and marine engineers to world-class shipyards, the Puget Sound area has more than enough brainpower and yard capacity to build these badly needed ferries.

For the sake of those of us who wait in line to ride these boats – and who keep paying ever more for the privilege – let’s get off the dime and start cutting some steel.

Where there is Kelp, There are Rocks

This 22' Sea Sport with five people aboard hit a rock East of Crane Island and was taking on water. The Coast Guard deployed a helicopter and the safe boat seen here. By the time the CG arrived we had freed the vessel from the rock.

In the 20 minutes it took to reach the scene several Good Sams pulled up. We transfered the people to "Remedy" and put a line on the Sea Sport. We had the owner raise the outdrive. Vessel Assist "Salvation" was underway from Roche Harbor (with USMA grad, Capt. Bill West at the helm,) and was used to provide a wake large enough to sally the Sea Sport off the rock.

"Remedy" towed the Sea Sport a few miles to West Sound Marina, where USMA grad, Capt. Ian Whareham and his sister Betsy are proprietors.

The CG Safe Boat came alongside to take information from the boaters involved.

The owner asked why the rock wasn't marked. I pointed out that it was on the chart and that kelp always indicates the presence of rocks.

Dingy Salvage Upright Channel

A Good Sam called the Coast Guard this morning at 06:30 saying there was a dingy adrift, and that he was taking it to the Lopez Island Ferry Landing.

Knowing that there's no place to leave I dingy at the Lopez Ferry Landing (and being a vessel of opportunity) I kindly offered to go pick the dingy up. We called the sheriff's office to make the report as well.

We have $300 in this short salvage.

Salvage at the Port of Friday Harbor

This 18.5' fishing boat was sinking at the Port of Friday Harbor when we arrived. The Port's electric and gas pumps were not keeping up.

We put aboard two pumps, stabilized the boat, and towed it to the ramp at Shipyard Cove. A 1.5 hr job.

There was a crowd of on lookers at the dock. I overhead someone shout, "Keep up the Blog!"

Here's Les Soland, working the de-watering pumps for the one mile tow to Shipyard Cove. Les is the owner of Vessel Assist Friday Harbor, a good friend, and worked as a deck hand / salvor while I drove for this evening sortie.

Rosario - Lopez Tow

A simple problem of an overheated engine on this 22' Sea Sport. A tow from Rosario Resort (in the background) to Island Marine Center on Lopez Island.

I would have used the 9.9 kicker to make the 9 mile trip and save a 3.5 hr charge. Our charges begin from when we leave our port to when we return.

Boater Missing - Five Miles Away

The San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office and the Orcas Fire Dept are conducting a concentrated ground search today on Jones Island for a boater from Des Moines, WA. William Larry Hickman, age 60, (photo left) was first reported missing by his wife to the US Coast Guard on Tuesday, July 3 at approx 10 AM.

The Coast Guard dispatched a nearby patrol boat to Jones Island and found the 38' Bayliner belonging to Mr. Hickman at anchor in the cove on the north side of the island. The 17' Boston Whale serving as a tender to the Bayliner was also located on the public dock with the boat canvas attached and covering the electronics.

The Bayliner was also left open and unlocked. On Tuesday the Sheriff and Undersheriff searched the vessel and found the cabin area to be normal and without any indication of foul play. They also contacted campers and park personnel on the island regarding the missing boater.

A search of the island was also conducted without success. On Wednesday afternoon Sheriff's Office divers conducted an underwater search of the public dock area and below the Bayliner without any success. Orcas Fire Department has 5 teams, 2 man each, on Jones Island today, along with Sheriff (and USMA grad Capt.) Cumming and Undersheriff Zerby and Washington State Park personnel and are conducting an intensive ground search of the entire island.

Source: The Island Guardian

(Ed note: as of noon today the Coast Guard suspended the search, pending further developments.)

"Orbit's" damaged wheel

"Orbit," the 30' Chris Craft, that hit a log yesterday off Salmon Bank, was hauled out this morning. Here's a pic of the damage.

A bad solenoid...

...cut short the voyage of this 37' Hunter at Echo Bay on Sucia Island last night. I towed her to Point Roberts. A 5.7 hour round trip. I think I would have used a jumper wire and saved over $1200.

Here are a few pics from the trip home:

The Strait of Georgia doesn't get any more benign.

Sunset over East Point, Saturna Island, BC

Point Roberts Marina via Google Earth

Struck a Log

A 30' Chris Craft that hit a log off Salmon Bank. The prop and strut were damaged. Additionally they had difficulty determining their position, because he used the position of his cursor on th GPS, not the position of the vessel. I towed her to Shipyard Cove.

The Coast Guard was able to use their Rescue 21 equipment to give me the vessels location.

Amazing but True

This 30' Columbia had a dead motor at the Custom's Dock and wanted a tow around to the other side of the dock. The three people aboard could have easily hand lined her around 50' yard distance. The cost, $225.

Forth of July Pics

"MY JeSaMa" in Shipyard Bay, Friday Harbor

"MY JeSaMa's" garage

"SV Destiny" belongs to USMA grad Capt. Mike & Dawn Hilliard

"FUGLY," Home Depot boats usually are.

What Flashing Blue Light?

(Ed note: Three years ago tonight I challenged the Coast Guard as a result of the following incident. While they did acknowledge that I was correct, there were never any policy changes.)

On Saturday, July 3 , 2004, while operating for Vessel Assist San Juans I was on a
return trip from Blaine Wa, to Roche Harbor Wa, via Boundary and Johns Passes. I had worked a case and checked out with Chief LaPierre (Group Seattle) prior to going to dinner in Blaine at about 19:00. At approximately 21:00 I departed Blaine.

At approximately 23:00 at approximate position 48 43N / 123 08W in Boundary Pass I was stopped by a 87' USCG Patrol Boat. Thirty minutes later at approximate position 48 38N / 123 10W in Spieden Channel I was stopped by a small USCG Safe Boat.

I have no issue with being stopped, and appreciate the job the Coast Guard is doing for Homeland Security. However I do take exception with USCG operational procedures, particularly at night. In both cases I chose to stop, although the Rules, and lack of Coms, did not oblige me to do so.

Both USCG Patrol Boats displayed Flashing Blue Lights, and did not attempt to hail me. The Flashing Blue Lights are not part of the 72 ColRegs for local waters, (reference 33 CFR 88.11 and 33 CFR 80.1385 - 95.) In both instances I hailed the vessels displaying the blue lights on channels, 16, 13, and 5A and got no response. I identified my vessel and asked the intention of the vessel with the Flashing Blue Lights. I also called Group Seattle via cell phone, who suggested that I write this up. Your crew on the 87' WPB, and the folks on watch at Group Seattle seemed clueless related to the rules, stating that I should have known what to do, and needed to check the Annexes. The crew of the Safe Boat knew the rule relating to Flashing Blue Lights, and said they attempted to answer my call.

My suggestions are as follows:

1. If the Coast Guard wants mariners to respond to Patrol Boats at night, there needs to be a set method of recognition and communication, published in the LNM and or BNM.
2. Patrol Boat Crews and those on Watch at group need a better handle on the Rules, before stating that mariners do not know them.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

------

A funny aside was that when I called (then) Group Seattle on the phone, the duty officer stated that I should have recognized the CG vessel by it's orange blaze and distinctive profile. When I pointed out the it was 23:30 and dark...the duty officer was silent.

Docking Assistance

A nice older 40' Chris Craft who had lost rudder control, needed to be docked at the Port of Friday Harbor. The shot above is of "Remedy," side tied to the Chris.

Lesson: It helps to turn off the auto pilot before docking. Price $225.

World's Largest Sailing Vessel

The folks over at Wired have a great post HERE. A Silicone Valley venture capitalist is the owner of this $130,000,000 monstrosity.

Toasted and Damp

A 37' Fisher, I towed for 14.7 hrs yesterday. The owner drank during the second half of the voyage and fell in the water between the boat and the dock when we got to Anacortes, then gave me he a nice tip.

The trip began just fine, other than he only had $50 of coverage for this very long tow. $50 gets one of our boats warmed up and out of the marina. He did very well and was actually helpful in the landing at Roche Harbor for customs. I checked in with him at the top of each hour on the VHF. In the six hour trip from Roche Harbor, he missed a few radio check in calls, but I could see him moving around in the pilot house.

When it was time to transition him to a side tow for the landing at Anacortes, things began to go south. Once we were side tied he came aboard "Remedy" and wanted to talk. I requested he get back on his boat to serve as an additional look out, and prepare for the landing. At that point he went back inside the pilot house for another swig. As we approached the dock, I asked him to come outside. As I began the maneuver to back down on the tow, he disappeared from view and did not respond to my calls.

Folks on the dock behind us began to yell, "He's in the water!" I immediately rocked "Remedy" forward and tied her stern to the opposite side of the dock, disembarked, secured the bow line on the Fisher. At this time the owner got out of the water, sans glasses. I went back to "Remedy," untied her, backed down, and brought the stern of the Fisher to the dock.

This was not my first encounter with this Fisher as I remember seeing her in Port Townsend WA, Petersburg AK, and Friday Harbor WA.

You gotta love the Forth of July week.

A bonus was that I was able to spend the evening at home.

Here's the route:

Click to enlarge.

Beautiful British Columbia

These pics were taken during yesterday's tow in Sansome Narrows, a passage between Salt Spring and Vancouver Islands, British Columbia.

Island Transporter

Passed Island Transporter in Harney Channel off Shaw Island. If you look closely you can see USMA grad Capt. Steve Partridge at the helm.

Over heat

This 30' Sea Sport was having an overheating problem just outside Friday Harbor and needed a tow back to Roche Harbor. A 3.4 hr job. It was the first time this season I received a tip, enough for a couple of breakfasts.

A Bad Fuel Pump

This 37' North Sea trawler from Birch Bay was having problems getting fuel to the engine, and needed a tow from Boundary Pass to Friday Harbor. We fought a vicious flood in San Juan Channel. A 3.75 hr job.

The Season has Arrived

The "Starship Enterprise," home port Lake Tahoe, CA, blew by me today. She is subject of my most unique Vessel Assist call in five seasons. See the story HERE. It was the summer of 2005. Some day she will need assistance. I don't know if I'll refuse to help or confound them by being the nicest person on earth.

The boaters have arrived with a vengeance. We have four boats in the islands with me as the primary driver, a back up, and the owner plays relief when things really turn busy. Today we could have used another boat as we were so busy we missed a call.

I'd been concerned that numbers weren't meeting last year's outstanding record (I had 148 rescues.) After a closer look, I'm actually substantially ahead of all other years except 2006.

Tomorrow's tow (a 37' Fisher) is already scheduled. I'll leave here for Maple Bay, BC about 07:00 and tow it to Anacortes, WA. The job will take about 14 hours and involve four custom's stops. Commercial trips have to; clear leaving the US, clear entering Canada, clear leaving Canada, and clear re entering the US.

rge.