JUNEAU, Alaska – A Coast Guard Station Ketchikan boatcrew assisted the 38-foot fishing vessel Serenity after it began taking on water near the ferry terminal in Ketchikan, Alaska, Sunday.
The Ketchikan boatcrew dewatered the Serenity until the vessel was safely moored and a temporary patch was outfitted at the breach in it's hull. The Serenity is scheduled to be towed Monday by a salvage company.
Sector Juneau watchstanders received a request for assistance from the Serenity’s captain stating that the vessel was taking on water at approximately 50 gallons every 10 minutes. Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of the boatcrew.
The Ketchikan boatcrew arrived on scene and reported the vessel spaces were flooded with several hundred gallons of water. The crew began dewatering operations and pumps managed to keep the vessel afloat.
“Our boatcrews train on a variety of equipment so they are ready to assist mariners during emergency situations,” said Lt. Joseph Reitmeyer, Sector Juneau command duty officer. “We’re glad we were able to promptly assist these mariners before the situation became any worse.”
Weather on scene at the time of the incident was reported as calm seas, clear with 12 mph winds.