Coast Guard responds to Injuries on Charter Vessel near Lummi Island

One passenger received a concussion while the other passenger had an injured arm.

The 127-foot double masted charter sailing vessel Zodiac was just north of Lummi Island, Wash., when its main mast broke in half injuring two passengers Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010.

(BELLINGHAM) - The Coast Guard responded to a distress call from the charter sailing vessel Zodiac after its main mast broke in half injuring two passengers near the San Juan Islands, Wash., Saturday.

The 127-foot double masted schooner was just north of Lummi Island when the incident occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m.

Coast Guard Station Bellingham, Wash., responded to the scene with two 33-foot response boats along with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles, Wash.

One passenger received a concussion while the other passenger had an injured arm.

Once on scene, the injured passengers were transferred to one of the Coast Guard boats and transported to Goose Point, Wash., where they were met by awaiting emergency medical services. The remaining passengers were transferred to a nearby Good Samaritan boat, which took them directly to Bellingham Bay.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Terrapin assisted by towing the Zodiac to Bellingham Bay.

A Coast Guard vessel inspector and marine casualty investigator have been dispatched from Sector Puget Sound, Wash.