Update: 9 Rescued After Boat Runs Aground Near Auke Bay

Shelter Island near Auke Bay
Shelter Island near Auke Bay. (Image courtesy Google Maps)

Nine passengers were rescued from a boat that ran aground near Juneau on Monday evening.

The 36-foot motor vessel Islander ran aground at Shelter Island just outside Auke Bay while on a commercial whale watching tour.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Sara Mooers said there were no injuries and all passengers were transported off the boat by Good Samaritan vessels in the area.  No fuel or oil was spotted in the area.

Coast Guard sector Juneau responded with a small boat crew to make sure there was no danger or further need for help, Mooers said.

The Islander, a boat with Alaska Galore Tours, ran aground on Shelter Island Monday evening.

“We did send Coast Guard Station Juneau, one of our small boats, out to put eyes on the scene and confirm there was no distress and that there’s no pollution,” Mooers said. “They will investigate the grounding as well, our marine safety personnel from Juneau.”

“They’ll touch base with the vessel when it’s back in port and make sure there’s no significant damage and if there is, that it gets dealt with accordingly.”

The petty officer said the boat captain stayed with the vessel. It was refloated Tuesday morning and towed to Auke Bay.

The Islander is listed as part of the fleet with Alaska Galore Tours, a whale, bear and glacier tour operator in Juneau.

Note: This story has been updated to reflect that the boat was part of a commercial whale watching tour and has been refloated and towed to Auke Bay.

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