Boat capsizes in Foulweather winds

HANSVILLE — U.S. Coast Guard and North Kitsap Fire & Rescue worked together to save three boaters after their 58-foot fishing boat capsized on Hood Canal near Foulweather Bluff Oct. 28.

The Coast Guard received a call from a nearby pleasure craft shortly after the fishing vessel “Martle” had overturned.

A Navy patrol boat, which was conducting Coast Guard missions in the area and a helicopter from Air Station Port Angeles were dispatched to the scene. North Kitsap Fire & Rescue’s Marine 81 fire boat also arrived for support.

The master of the 58-foot vessel, Ed Einarson of Blaine, and his two crew members climbed aboard their skiff after the boat capsized.

The “Martle” was heading to Port Ludlow to escape poor weather conditions in the area when it was struck on its side by a wave, capsized and sank, according to the Coast Guard report.

The crew of the “Martle” were uninjured and transferred to the Navy vessel. They were then transported to Naval Station Everett.

According to the Coast Guard report, the “Martle” was carrying approximately 700-gallons of diesel fuel when it sank.

The Marine Safety Office Puget Sound is investigating the accident.

Earlier this week, investigators flew over the area where the vessel sank to check for signs of pollution.

As a required part of the investigation, drug and alcohol screenings were also administered to the crew of the “Martle.”

Weather conditions at the time of the accident were winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour and sea conditions producing swells of 4 to 6 feet.

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