Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Sailboat retrieved by sheriff deputies on Tuesday
ST. JOHN — Two Pullman men are safe after their sailboat capsized in high winds on Rock Lake on Saturday, Oct. 19, as the wind eventually drifted them and their boat back to shore.
Whitman County Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Miller said the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, St. John Fire District 2, and Rosalia Ambulance responded to a report of the capsized vessel around 1:40 p.m. at the north end of the lake.
Firefighters from St. John launched two personal watercraft, but the men, who were still with their boat when it washed ashore, did not require rescue.
“They were wearing life jackets,” Miller said. “Both were evaluated by EMS and declined medical transport, with no injuries reported.”
The capsized vessel was a 19-foot sailboat, and the incident was caused by high winds as the men attempted to change directions.
The boat’s mast was damaged, but no other damage occurred.
Sheriff’s deputies recovered the boat to a nearby landing so the owner could retrieve it, Tuesday morning on Oct. 22.
“They are very lucky. Rock Lake is known for rapid weather changes, which can easily lead to accidents. Life jackets are saviors,” Miller said. “If the weather is poor, always take the opportunity to wear the life jacket.”
The men, aged 55 and 44, are both from Pullman.
“One is an experienced sailor, while the other is new to the sailing community,” added Miller.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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