SAN JUAN COUNTY, Washington — A man died Friday afternoon after a pleasure craft overturned in the waters off Sucia Island, the U.S. Coast Guard said.
Three Bellingham men went into the water when their boat capsized while they were trying to pull out a shrimp pot that was stuck in the water.
According to the San Juan Sheriff’s Office, the men were wearing inflatable flotation devices, but one man was unable to get the device inflated.
A boater pulled the three men out of the water, but one was unconscious.
CPR was performed on the man. Despite efforts, he could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Saturday, the San Juan Sheriff’s office identified the man as 72-year-old James R. Ableman.
Washington State Parks and Recreation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Coast Guard, Canadian Coast Guard, San Juan Island EMS and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office were at the scene.
The incident is still under investigation by the sheriff’s office and U.S. Coast Guard.
Officials said there were no indications that alcohol or drugs were involved in the incident.
KIRO
