At 20:17 last night, the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) Station Sooke was tasked by the Joint Rescue Co-Ordination Centre (JRCC) Victoria to a vessel with three persons on-board who experienced mechanical issues and had drifted into thick Bull Kelp and shallow waters off East Sooke Park.

With the use of an oar, they were able to prevent themselves from going onto the rocks while rescue crew got underway.

Under the dark night skies, using radar and the approximate last known position provided by JRCC, crews were able to quickly locate them with the help of a small light the persons were able to flash to help direct rescue crews.

Crew members carefully navigated towards the vessel which was situated approximately 10 feet from the rocks. A line was secured onto the boat where it was towed out into deeper and safer waters.

Crewmembers were then able to safely bring the small boat alongside and remove two adults and one child, and bring them into the cabin to warm up. We were happy to see that all people were wearing appropriate PFD’s when we arrived on-scene.

A short while later rescue crews brought the vessel and the people safely back to Becher Bay Marina where they secured their boat.

The call was classified a pan pan, which a measure of the state of urgency. A pan pan indicates there is urgency on board a vessel but that, for the time being at least, there is no immediate danger to anyone’s life or to the vessel itself. 

These volunteers have been busy:

Since you’re here, we have a small favour to ask.

At 1.7 million page views over the past year, more people than ever are reading SPN. We had hoped advertising local services and events would sustain this service, but that has not come to pass. Advertising revenues are falling; status quo is unsustainable. Readers, please consider a small monthly donation. This can help secure the future of SPN. Business owners: Please consider an ad. More than massive local exposure, you will also be affiliated with an independent business that is 100% local, 99% paperless, and highly valued by the 98%. That’s priceless.

Thank you for your continued readership.

Or, you set the amount, one-time contribution.

Alternatively, click here to make a $10 donation using SPN PayPal.me. (You can change the donation amount on the landing page by clicking on the dollar amount.)