The 37-foot sailing vessel Wahoo started sinking yesterday morning after it struck a log in secluded waters off the southwest side of Vashon Island in Colvos Passage, Washington. The skipper of the vessel, Eric Nelson, radioed Coast Guard Group Seattle for assistance and to inform them he was preparing to abandon ship. The Coast Guard advised the skipper to put on his lifejacket and stay with the vessel. Nelson then intentionally grounded the sailing vessel to save it and was assisted soon after by two tow vessels that were able to pump out the water and tow the boat to a nearby marina. The Coast Guard arrived on the scene soon afterward to ensure the owner?s safety and to make sure the boat did not pose an environmental threat.

The Coast Guard credited Nelson?s quick actions with saving himself and his boat. By wearing a lifejacket and not abandoning the boat until absolutely necessary, he was saved from the threat of hypothermia. The Coast Guard advises that, in the event of a vessel sinking, occupants should stay close to the vessel if it is still afloat, or to climb up on its debris in order to keep their bodies out of the water.