The Coast Guard was sent to rescue 24 people from a whale-watching vessel near Ucluelet ran aground and began taking on water.
Around 11 a.m. on Saturday morning, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre received a call that the Chinook Princess from Jamie’s Whaling Station ran aground near Coaster Channel, Barkley Sound. The Coaster Channel is near Batley Island, south east of Ucluelet.
The 50-foot vessel had lost the ability to steer, was taking on water, and needed a tow, according to a statement from the Maritime Forces Pacific.
A “vessel of opportunity” volunteered to help, and two Coast Guard vessels were deployed.
The CCGS Cape Mckay arrived on scene at 11:57 a.m, and an auxiliary vessel 38 Ucluelet arrived at 12:30 p.m.
The Cape Mckay towed the Chinook Princess to Ucluelet, and all people onboard are safe, according to a spokesperson for Maritime Forces Pacific.
The Maritime Forces Pacific spokesperson said any further investigation would be led by the Transportation Safety Board.
CHEK News
