Coast Guard Aids Distressed Vessel off Washington (VIDEO)

Watch a video clip shot from a Coast Guard helicopter on scene at the distressed vessel.

Coast Guard response to a stricken vessel off the Washington coast. Photo: U.S. Coast Guard

(SEATTLE, Wash.) - The Coast Guard was requested to help a vessel in distress off of Washington's Point Partidge Monday.

Four people aboard a 27-foot pleasure craft called for help at 12:43 PM, reporting that they saw water and smoke in their engine compartment.

The Coast Guard says an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles and a helicopter crew from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island both responded to the call.

In addition, a 25-foot Response Boat from Station Port Angeles reported to the scene.

Coast Guard crews arriving on scene learned that the people in distress entered their life raft until they were transfered to a good samaratin's vessel. A motor vessel operated by a commercial assistance company arrived later to tow the damaged pleasure craft.

"If people are going to be out on the water, they should make sure all of their safety equipment, such as life jackets, should be in good condition," said Captain Scott M. Pollock, commanding officer, Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles. "Boaters also should keep safety in mind every time they get on the water, but especally during this Fourth of July holiday."

He says boaters and beach-goers should follow proper guidelines to ensure their safety.

Here is a video clip shot from a Coast Guard helicopter on scene at the distressed vessel.

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