information from King County Sheriff

On Saturday, March 30, 2019 about 10:45 PM two boats were heading back to Vashon Island from Tacoma.  The first boat a 20 foot, 200-horse power motorboat struck an un-occupied legally moored 38-foot sailboat near Dockton Park.  Deputies reported the moored boat was about 200 yards off shore.  The 28-year-old male boat operator and a 27-year-old male boat occupant were both ejected from the impacting vessel into the water.  The second boat responded and some of it’s occupants were able to recover both males from the water.  The 28-year-old male was not breathing and they immediately began CPR.  Vashon Fire Dept and Medics arrived and continued lifesaving efforts on the male but they were unable to resuscitate him.  The other 4 occupants of the boat, 26 year old female, 28 year old female, 31 year old male, and 29 year old male were brought to shore.  The five occupants of the boat were transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment.  Three of the five occupants sustained broken bones but were listed in satisfactory condition.  The other two occupants were released from the hospital with minor injuries.

There were only three life jackets on the boat for the six occupants and none were being used at the time of the collision.  Deputies are investigating whether alcohol and/or drugs were a contributing factor in this collision.  The boat was also not equipped with any radar or GPS navigation, which can aid in the safe transiting of a vessel in darkness.   

The ME’s office will release the name and cause of death for the deceased male.

There are five pictures of the 38 foot moored blue/white sailboat.  There are also two photos of the 20-foot motorboat involved in the collision.