Last year, several members of the Tulalip Tribes fisheries enforcement department completed an intensive Coast Guard certification course in boat handling.
The training paid off this week when a 30-foot tribal fishing boat sank.
From a blog by their trainer, Capt. Richard J. Rodriguez:
This morning I shared a cup of coffee with the survivors and two friends (Zenith Maritime graduates;) Lt. Robert Myers and Bernie Edge (in the blue tee shirts.) Rob and Bernie had come to Friday Harbor in a department vehicle to take the fishermen home.
The two folks on the left were aboard the boat that sank, the source of the leak was not determined. Fortunately the Tribe has a policy that survival suits be aboard all fishing vessels.
Bernie Edge related that being able to calculate set and drift from their command center added in a quick rescue.
