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06/23/2008: "112' Adventuress Aground Off Bell Is"

(Capt. Richard J. Rodriguez, Maritime Services photo)

The local boat Adventuress runs aground near Shaw Island, and both the Sealth and the Evergreen State took part in rescuing passengers off the vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard and the private rescue boats of Capt. Richard J. Rodriguez’s were at work to assist the Adventures off the rocks.

The schooner Adventuress is locally owned and operated by Sound Experience, a local nonprofit organization. The Adventuress ran aground at approximately noon in Wasp Pass, between Orcas and Shaw Islands, but according to on the scene postings by Capt. Richard J. Rodriguez , the vessel is “free at last, free at last” at just after 4:00 p.m. on the same day of the grounding

At the same time the Sealth was in the process of loading vehicles and passengers at the Orcas Island terminal for the 12:05 p.m. departure, when the U.S. Coast Guard asked the ferry’s crew to come to the assistance of the grounded vessel.

As luck would have it, Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Kingrey was on a WSF leaving Orcas when he and the crew noticed the Adventuress, and further noted that something did not look quite right.

The ferry dropped one of their small boats and ferried Kingrey to the Adventuress, and then began to off-load the passengers and bring them back to the ferry.

The ferry Evergreen State was also asked to assist as it was heading for a stop at Orcas Island with a full load of vehicles and passengers. Both ferries launched rescue boats to assist the grounded sailing vessel. Five passengers evacuated from the Adventuress were taken onto the Sealth.



(Diver ready to enter water to inspect hull for signs of damage)

Kingrey stayed aboard the Adventuress back to the port at Friday Harbor, and said there were no indications of leaks or other outward signs of damage to the vessel. Once berthed, a diver from the Bitter End took a second look at the hull, and again, found no signs of damage.

“The prompt response from our captains and crews aboard the Sealth and the Evergreen State ferries today averted what could have been a dangerous situation,” said Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond. “I'm proud of our WSDOT Ferries team and their commitment to public safety. I also want to recognize the patience of our customers whose travel plans were interrupted today – we owe them a big thank you too.”

“Our crew’s regular training really paid off today,” said David Moseley, WSDOT assistant secretary. “The vessel crews were able to launch a rescue boat quickly, demonstrating the maritime expertise and professionalism that all our fleet employees show every day.”

Although service in the San Juan Islands has resumed, customers should expect heavier traffic and delays throughout the remainder of the day. For the latest updates on service, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries or call 1-888-808-7977.