SEATTLE — The Coast Guard rescued three fishermen early this morning after their 37-foot vessel Karanna ran aground on the Chibahdehl Rocks about four miles west of Neah Bay.
The operator of the boat told Coast Guard members that he had fallen asleep before the boat ran aground.
The Coast Guard launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Neah Bay and an MH-65C Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station/Sector Field Office Port Angeles after receiving a report that the vessel was taking on water at 3:35 a.m.
The Karanna was in such shallow water that the motor lifeboat crew could not pull alongside it, but the three fishermen were able to swim to it and were pulled safely on board.
After examination by emergency medical technicians on shore, they were discharged, the Coast Guard said.
The Coast Guard did not identify the fishermen.
A salvage operation would be conducted as soon as the weather permitted, the Coast Guard said.
