SEATTLE - Coast Guard Sector Seattle is investigating what caused a
touring vessel to run aground near Deception Island State Park on
Whidbey Island, Wash., at approximately 8 p.m. Thursday.
The 65-foot passenger vessel, Island Explorer II, had 52 people aboard
when it ran aground. Everyone aboard was safely evacuated and seven
passengers who had suffered injuries were taken to Island Hospital in
Anacortes for treatment. The extent of their injuries is not known at
this time.

Initial reports indicate that the vessel incurred hull damage and two
compartments began to flood. Pumps on board the vessel were able to
control the flooding. There are also no indications that the vessel
spilled any oil or released pollutants into the water.

The incident is currently under investigation.

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If this boat was trying to run Deception Pass at 8PM last night, they
were only 40 minutes short of the peak flood of almost 4 knots. The
pass is narrow, littered with rocks along the edges, and major
whirlpools form unexpectedly when the current is running strong. The
news release doesn't say they were *in* Deception Pass, merely off the
state park, but if I had to place a bet I'd put money on this boat
getting into trouble in the pass itself.

It may not take all that much investigation to figure this one out if
the trouble was in the pass........error in judgment by the skipper.