While winds reached between 20-30 knots on March 9, the Samish ferry, on its way to Anacortes and the US Coast Guard, Bellingham Station, assisted six people and two dogs (Buster and Belle) after a wave over the bow had shattered the front windshield on their boat.

According to islander Patrick Cabe, who was aboard the Samish at the time, the captain made an announcement asking if there were medical professionals on board to assist with injuries. Several on board responded before the US Coast Guard team arrived and was also able to administer first aid.

According to the press release by the Coast Guard, “The Washington State Ferry embarked four of the individuals before our asset arrived on the scene. The coxswain of the 45 RBM transferred two crewmembers to the damaged vessel to assess for first aid needs and seaworthiness of the distressed boat. The ferry slowed down for the 45 RBM and utilized its size to create a shield from the wind and elements for our crew on the way to Anacortes.”

Once the Samish arrived in Anacortes, the statement continued, the four individuals on the ferry were transported by Anacortes Fire to receive further assistance. Coast Guard crew “embarked the two remaining personnel and two dogs” to the 45 RBM, while the crew’s engineer, MK2 Lavarreda, drove the damaged boat and followed the 45 RBM to Cap Sante Marina where Anacortes Fire reunited the first four individuals with those onboard the 45.

Contributed photo by the US Coast Guard Bellingham Station Inside the boat with shattered windshield.

Contributed photo by the US Coast Guard Bellingham Station Boat and its human and canine passengers arrive safe on shore.

Contributed photo by the US Coast Guard Bellingham Station The ferry captain positioned the Samish to block the wind.

Contributed photo by Patrick Cabe Ferry crew approach the vessel in distress.