Whale watching boat sinks in Juneau

[AKBeagleMom]

Sunday, July 31st, 2016 1:22pm

 

A witness to the distress call said the boat that sank was the Big Red. A Dolphin Jet Boat Tours representative said it's believed all passengers and crew were transported safely from the scene.

 

Reports show a whale watching tour boat carrying possibly 16 passengers and 2 crew members sank near Juneau Sunday afternoon just after noon.

 

A Dolphin Jet Boat Tours representative said it's believed all passengers and crew were transported safely from the scene.

 

A witness to the distress call said the boat that sank was the Big Red and was assisted by an Allen Marine vessel. She also stated the Good Samaritans assisted before authorities had time to arrive.

 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

 

http://www.kinyradio.com/news/news-of-the-north/whale-watching-vessel-sinks-passengers-crew-rescued-by-good-samaritans/

[caseykees]

I hope everyone is OK.

[Coral]

I agree - I hope no injuries were involved. So glad Allen Marine was nearby. It will be interesting to hear what caused this.

[OCruisers]

Good Grief! Glad all are OK!

Please keep us updated.

[karatemom2]

Here is another article from the Anchorage Daily News:

 

http://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2016/07/31/18-rescued-from-sinking-whale-watching-boat-near-juneau/

[kennicott]

Great, no serious injuries. Does anyone know if the Doug Ward who owns this 35-foot Dolphin Jet Boat Tours whale-watching boat, "Big Red", is the same "Doug Ward" who does the "Cruising and Cruise Ships" in Berlitz and has for many years?

 

http://juneauempire.com/local/2016-07-31/whale-watching-boat-sinks-18-rescued

 

"Doug Ward, owner of the tour company, credited the "See You" with picking up as many people as could fit aboard the small boat.

Ward was in Florida when reached by the Empire. He said, first and foremost, that he's glad everyone made it off the boat alive.

 

"It's just a boat," he said, explaining that his principal concern was for the passengers and the crew, whom he identified as skipper Kimball Ho and naturalist Mike Clasby.

 

"They lost some cameras and some binoculars, but no lives," Ward said.

 

He added that the boat has settled in about 20 feet of water, and he doesn't believe any oil or fuel is leaking from it. He plans to salvage the boat.

 

The Coast Guard is continuing to investigate the sinking, and Ward said he's looking into the matter as well."

[Keith1010]

Thank for posting.

 

So glad that all are OK.

 

Keith

[Coral]

Great, no serious injuries. Does anyone know if the Doug Ward who owns this 35-foot Dolphin Jet Boat Tours whale-watching boat, "Big Red", is the same "Doug Ward" who does the "Cruising and Cruise Ships" in Berlitz and has for many years?

 

 

That would be interesting to find out. I tried to search and couldn't tell. The owner of the Dolphin tours has an H initial for middle name. Definitely a Florida connection with both.

Edited August 1, 2016 by Coral

[VennDiagram]

Good news that everyone is safe! One of the articles mentioned that the crew started handing out life jackets. THAT impressed me, to be honest, that the crew continued to function effectively and with safety of their passengers at the fore.

[Coral]

Just found this:

 

http://www.ktoo.org/2016/08/01/tour-boat-captain-fired-naturalist-tells-tour-boat-sinking/

 

Captain fired. Though it seems unclear to me why.

Edited August 2, 2016 by Coral

[roobug]

Just found this:

 

http://www.ktoo.org/2016/08/01/tour-boat-captain-fired-naturalist-tells-tour-boat-sinking/

 

Captain fired. Though it seems unclear to me why.

 

My guess from the description in the article of the accident, he was going to fast and close to the dangerous side for favorite channel. It is well known there are many rocks right below the surface and it is a tricky place depending on the tide.

 

So glad everyone is safe.

[xlxo]

It unclear from the article captain's experience. That "uncharted" rock should have been avoided.

 

With all those cameras in the area for a whale watch... I'm surprised there isn't anything from the sinking.

Edited August 2, 2016 by xlxo

[Coral]

One more article:

 

http://juneauempire.com/local/2016-08-01/were-sinking-juneau-familys-fast-actions-save-lives-sea

[knittingGal]

glad no one was hurt