On 07-08-2011 at around 12:06am the San Juan CSO received a call about his boat sinking.  Subject and six other passengers were traveling in the San Juan Channel, in a 22' open motorboat when they crashed into the rocks on the east side of Low Island and began taking on water.  A few minutes later operator called 911 and said he hit the rocks and did not see them because it was dark.  When the San Juan County Sheriff's Office made the rescue, they noted that there numerous rocks in the area and a strong side current which made the rescue difficult.   

After all victims from the accident scene were safely on the SJCSO patrol boat, deputies noticed a strong odor of intoxicating beverages on and about the occupants.  Interviewing those involved with the accident was difficult a most of them were shaking from hypothermia and could barely speak.

The operator of the vessel was determined.  He was given a PBT which showed him to have .184% blood alchol level.  The deputy also requested and received a search warrant to withdraw a blood sample from the operator to determine the level of alcohol in the operator's blood.  The investigatiion report was forwarded to the county prosecutor's office for review of charges to be made.  Operator has taken the 5th Amendment in the preliminary hearing for the case and he refused to complete a Boating Accident Report on the recommendation of his lawyer.

This accident was also investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard according to the investigation report completed by San Juan CSO Deputy.  As of 02/15/12 the case is still waiting to come to court.

Friday Harbor                 