The crew of the Washington State Ferry Tilikum rescued passengers from a rowboat in distress near Orcas Island on Monday morning. The small craft was reportedly taking on water and unable to maneuver in the Salish Sea.
The Tilikum responded at around 9:45 a.m. after receiving a call for assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard. Upon receiving the Coast Guard alert, the ferry crew altered course and launched a rescue boat to reach the stranded rowboat.
Crew members safely transported the boaters to shore, where no medical intervention was required.
Washington State Ferries crews conduct weekly rescue drills to prepare for assisting boaters, paddlers, and divers in distress across the Salish Sea.
Check out a video of the rescue on the Washington State Ferries Facebook page here.
©2026 Cox Media Group
