Fishing vessel sinks off Point Roberts, killing one

A sinking skiff off Point Roberts on August 11 resulted in the death of one fisherman, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The 25-foot skiff carrying two people, one of whom survived, began taking on water around 4 p.m. during native commercial fishing activity just south of Point Roberts.

The Coast Guard received the report at 3:56 p.m. and dispatched rescue crews from Coast Guard Station Bellingham and Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles. The Canadian Coast Guard sent out its 90-foot hovercraft, Siyay, from Richmond, B.C. A good Samaritan responded to the radio call and rescued one of the men in good condition.

The Samaritan also assisted in locating the other man. Lifesaving measures were attempted by both U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard personnel. The man was transferred to EMS at Blaine Harbor and declared deceased.

Names of the men involved or the Good Samaritan have not been released. Reportedly, Lummi Nation police has opened a death investigation. Weather at the time was reported to be two-foot seas and 15-knot winds.