LA PUSH — The Coast Guard rescued five fishermen after their boat sank 30 miles west of La Push today.
None of the fishermen were hurt when the 65-foot fishing boat Captain John sank in more than 2,000 feet of water, the Coast Guard said. None of those aboard were identified.
The cause of the sinking is under investigation.
The boat was carrying more than 70,000 pounds of Dover sole as well as about 800 gallons of fuel, the Coast Guard said, adding that a 200-foot-by-200-foot oil sheen had been reported at the location of the sunken vessel.
The master of the boat called Coast Guard station Quillayute River watchstanders via VHF radio channel 16 at 2:45 p.m., saying that the boat was taking on water and that the crew could not keep up with the flooding.
A rescue swimmer from a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter launched from Port Angeles helped the fishermen abandon their boat onto a life raft.
A motor life boat from Coast Guard Station Quillayute River brought the fishermen back to La Push.
Several good Samaritans arrived on scene with the Captain John crew and remained until help arrived, the Coast Guard said.
Seas were between two feet and three feet and the wind speed was 15 mph.
