PORT TOWNSEND — A rescue boat found capsized in the Boat Haven on Thursday morning was righted by a diving crew and is being examined for damage.
The Volunteer, a 21-foot aluminum craft owned and operated by East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, was stable in the water Wednesday night and was found capsized Thursday morning by the fuel dock manager, Eric Elliott, who reported it to law enforcement.
It was unlikely that any foul play was involved in the capsizing, said Bill Beezley, fire department spokesman.
Beezley said later Thursday that a small crack had been found in the hull, a possible cause of the boat capsizing.
He said he did not know how long it would take to repair the craft or when it would be back in operation.
The boat was taken to Westside Marine in Port Townsend for examination after it was righted and pulled from the water.
Divers put floats under the boat, and a crane was used to flip it over by about 2 p.m.
The craft was towed to a lift in the marina and was taken out of the water before being taken by truck to Westside Marine.
The boat has been owned by the fire department for about 10 years and has been involved in several high-visibility water-rescue operations, Beezley said.
Two divers from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and one from the fire department worked on the boat.
Port Townsend police and Vessel Assist of Port Hadlock also assisted in the operation.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
