John Wayne s former yacht, the Norwester, is slowly sinking near San Juan Islands
The vessel sustained damage to its hull in mid-April. The owner is now working to salvage the vessel. Author: KING 5 Staff Updated: 8:49 PM MDT May 10, 2021
SAN JUAN COUNTY, Wash. A historic yacht, which saw service in World War II and was later owned by John Wayne, has sunk in Washington s San Juan Islands.
On April 17, the 76-foot
Norwester sustained heavy damage to hull when it struck submerged rocks near Prevost Harbor on Stuart Island, Coast Guard officials said. The eight people on board were rescued. It would later be determined that there was in a fact a one-foot-by-four-foot hole in the hull, said Petty Officer Michael Clark of the U.S. Coast Guard. Water pumps aboard the vessel were unable to keep up with the flooding.
WATCH LIVE: John Wayne s former yacht the Norwester is slowly sinking near San Juan Islands KING 5 Staff
The Norwester, formerly owned by film legend John Wayne, is semi-submerged off the north end of Henry Island in San Juan County, according to the Coast Guard.
On April 17, the 76-foot vessel sustained heavy damage hull. The eight people on board were rescued.
The Coast Guard has issued a Captain of the Port Order to the vessel s owner, requiring the owner to take necessary action to salvage the vessel.
As of May 9, the vessel was being held in position with multiple anchors. A sheen containment boom was also deployed to help mitigate any environmental impact.
By Kathi O Shea April 21, 2021 8:11 am
KGMI Deb Fritz, Towline Marine Assist, Friday Harbor
FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. Even the Duke couldn’t get ’em through this….
The boat that was John Wayne’s first yacht and has a long history in our region now sits half submerged after hitting a reef off Stuart Island Saturday afternoon.
No one was hurt but the 76-foot Norwester suffered heavy damage to its keel and hull and took on water.
Deb Fritz of Towline Marine Assist in Friday Harbor says her company responded to control pollution and stabilize the craft until it can be removed from the reef near Prevost Harbor.