Decommissioned sheriff’s vessel sinks while tied to dock

A decommissioned Sheriff’s boat at the Orcas Ferry Landing fuel dock sank on Thanksgiving Day.

“There was no fuel or oil leak and nothing was damaged. The only thing on the boat is an engine and a radio,” said San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs.

During high winds on Nov. 24 the 18-foot aluminum vessel filled with water and sank while still tied to the dock. Krebs speculates that the bilge pump was not able to get the water out. Vessel Assist brought the boat back up and it will be towed to Islands’ Marine Center on Lopez Island. The boat is currently only used to take an Orcas deputy to Friday Harbor for his shift.

Information about the mishap made Facebook, and news stations started calling the sheriff’s office. Krebs called it a “non-story.”