On 10/17/2012, at about 3:32, 2 individuals, owner/operator and passenger were aboard a 1972 29' auxiliary sailboat when they both went into the water while trying to retrieve a stuck anchor (about 100 yards off shore).  Operator was not wearing a PFD, Occupant was. 

Occupant stated that he and Operator left the marina at about 2:23 pm.  They motored the sailboat to the location of the anchor Operator wanted to retrieve (west of the Port of Port Townsend break water).  He said it took 15 - 20 minutes from the time they departed the marina to the time they arrived at the location of the anchor (about 2:45 pm).  Occupant said he was wearing a PFD and that Operator had lots of PFDs on board.  The PFDs were wet and Operator did not want to put on a wet PFD.  They tied off to the anchor and began working to free the stuck anchor.  Occupant said they worked hard using the windless winch mounted to the bow of the sailboat.  Occupant said he turned and Operator fell overboard.  Occupant then jumped into the water in an attempt to help Operator.  According to Occupant, Operator suffered from seizures.  It is unclear if this might have caused him to go into the water. 

At about 4:06 pm law enforcement arrived at the sailboat.  A Good Samaritan, his mother, and a friend had also responded to the hale for help in their boat and had just pulled both subjects from the water and back onto the sailboat.  It was apparent that both subjects were suffering from hypothermia.  EMTs began administering first aid.  Both subjects were transported to Jefferson Health Care for further lifesaving treatment.  Occupant was treated for hypothermia and released.  Operator was suffering from hypothermia and the effects of inhaling saltwater.  He was transported to Harborview Medical Center were he was put on a respirator in the Intensive Care Unit.  His current status is unknown. 

2 injuries reported.  1 requiring hospitalization (Operator/Operator).
No indication of alcohol involvement.
There were no damages to the boat.  
The Operator (Operator) was not wearing a PFD.  The Passenger (Occupant) was wearing a PFD.
It is unknown if either of the men involved have a mandatory Boater Education Card.
Operator experience is unknown.
 
No Rules of the Road Violaiton.

Port Townsend                 