Coast Guard rescues 5 from sinking vessel near La Push

LA PUSH, Wash. -- The Coast Guard rescued five fishermen after their vessel took on water and sank 30 miles of outside of La Push, Washington on Sunday.

A Coast Guard Station Quillauyte River 47- foot Motor Life Boat (MLB) crew recovered the fishermen from their life craft, the Coast Guard reported in a press release.

The master of the 65- foot fishing vessel Captain John called the Coast Guard via radio, stating that they were taking on water and not keep up with the flooding, the Coast Guard said.



Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles to assist the MLB crew.

The Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene and advised the Captain John crew to abandon ship, the Coast Guard said.

The vessel sank in more than 2,000 feet of water; it was carrying more than 70,000 pounds of Dover Sole on board, as well as approximately 800 gallons of fuel.

All crew members of the Captain John were rescued and brought back to La Push safely, the Coast Guard reported.

The cause of the ship's sinking is currently under investigation.