On 10/05/2012, at about 2:14 am, San Juan County Sheriff's Office received information regarding a boating accident on the beach just off of Port Stanley Road, Lopez WA.  Sheriff's personnel arrived on scene to discover a large sailboat on the beach about 100 yards towards the water.  The boat was a 1987 35' Mercadese auxiliary sailboat.  The boat was equipped with a 20 HP Bluebird inboard diesel engine.

Operator indicated that the tide was a zero tide at that time and the boat was beached.  Operator and both passengers on his boat, were there with shovels to examine the beach for the best possible access.  The 3 of them attempted to ditch a path through the sand.  Operator had tried to secure the boat earlier with an anchor line off the port side tied high on the boat.  The boat suddenly came down and pinned both Operator and another person. It is possible that the tide was coming in and the sand underneath the boat liquefied causing the boat to shift.  Third occupant immediately called 911 and began digging the two out of the sand.   

occupant and Operator sustained substantial injuries when the boat shifted towards the starboard side and pinned them under the hull.  occupant complained of pain in her lower back and Operator had pain to his pelvic area and a possible broken leg.  They were both transported to St. Joseph's hospital in Bellingham, WA for their injuries. 

No damage reported to the boat.  The electrical system that went under salt water the following day when the tide came in needs replacement.  No estimate was given. 

There were 2 persons injured, no fatalities.
Alcohol use was not indicated.
No vessel damage reported.
There were PFDs available on-board.  No PFDs were worn.
The operator had completed a USCG Auxiliary Course and had a mandatory Boater Education Card.
Operator reported having over 500 hours of operator experience. 
No Rules of the Road Violations.

Friday Harbor                 