Bodega Bay Boat in Trouble

The recreational fishing vessel “Surprise” had a nasty one of its own today.

At around 11:45am, the owner radioed the Coast Guard that it was about five miles out and taking on water.

He could not fully determine where the leak was, he said.

Bodega Bay Coast Guard first ascertained the craft’s location and then got an affirmative from the owner that he and his one passenger both had their life jackets on.

Radio communication kept cutting out, but the owner of the 47 foot “Surprise” was also able to report that he had a small Zodiac on board, as well as another inflatable boat.

By 12:00pm, the Coast Guard radioed they were sending a 25 foot Zodiac to assist the boat and get a pump out to them, if needed.

The captain said that maybe the leak was not as bad as he thought and asked if he should stay in neutral.

The reply was to stay on its course toward the Bay where it has a berth at the Spud Point Marina.

The Coast Guard said they would go to calls every 15 minutes at least, and reassured the skipper that when they were reached, a new frequency could be given to them.

In the meanwhile, the dispatcher kept talking to the skipper. He asked him to be on the lookout for “a 25 foot orange boat” and to let him know when he saw it.

By 12:15, the skipper said he could see the Coast Guard boat.

In less than an hour after that, the “Surprise” was making its way into the Bodega Bay channel on its own power with the Coast Guard right behind.

Ironically, today was one of the first sunny days

with calm seas since the recreational salmon season started on April 3^rd.

The wind was just coming up with some small chop appearing on the ocean at about a half hour after the time the “Surprise” called for help.