Recovery efforts underway for sunken charter boat off Santa Cruz Island

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, Calif. – The U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) District 11 and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW) Office of Spill Prevention and Response have started removal operations for an abandoned and now sunk charter passenger boat, the Sea Jay, near Santa Cruz Island.

The Sea Jay struck a rock off the coast of Santa Cruz Island on Thursday, forcing the 14 people on board to abandon the sinking ship.

All hands on board were recovered safe and sound from their deployed emergency raft, initially by a passing good Samaritan vessel, the Sea Biscuit, and then by first responders with the CDFW and USCG.

On Friday, the USCG issued a press release on the efforts to remove the fully submerged Sea Jay.

Two dedicated recovery vessels, crewed by salvage experts, are now beginning recovery efforts that are expected to take 21 hours in these initial stages detail USCG.

After their initial assessment, salvage crews and equipment will attempt to refloat the Sea Jay using lift bags, dewatering equipment, and custom rigging all while trying to limit additional damage to the boat.

According to USCG, once refloated and stabilized, the Sea Jay will be relocated to a safe harbor to be offloaded.

Observers spotted a sheen above the sunken, but still anchored, Sea Jay which carries a 220-gallon diesel tank within its hull.

"Throughout the removal operations, our primary focus remains on safety, efficiency, and environmental protection," said USCG Capt. Ryan Manning, the Federal On-Scene Coordinator. "We're committed to acting swiftly and safely, minimizing environmental impact and prioritizing the wellbeing of all involved."

The official cause of the sinking remains under investigation explain the USCG.