7 boaters rescued after water floods yacht off Washington coast

The yacht's crew called the U.S. Coast Guard for help around 6 a.m. Saturday stating they were taking on water due to the transom door opening and failing to close.

SEATTLE — Seven boaters were rescued after their 143-foot yacht began taking on water off the Washington coast.

The yacht's crew called the U.S. Coast Guard for help around 6 a.m. Saturday stating they were taking on water due to the transom door opening and failing to close.

Smoke began pouring from the area, so crews engaged a fire suppression system, which rendered the yacht disabled about 25 miles west of Grays Harbor.

A Coast Guard helicopter and lifeboat crew reached the scene and found the crew in good shape, but the yacht too large to tow back to safety. A larger Coast Guard cutter was summoned and help tow the yacht to an awaiting commercial tug near Neah Bay while the Coast Guard picked up the seven passengers.

The yacht was eventually towed to Port Angeles for repairs. No injuries were reported.

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