Washington Sailboat Holds 60 Cats and Kittens: Abandoned Vessel Rescue

An abandoned sailboat near Washington’s Owen Beach contained an unexpected crew of 60 cats and kittens. Many of the animals showed signs of fear and malnourishment.

The Tacoma Police Department’s Marine Services Unit responded on August 6 to reports of a deserted 40-foot sailboat in the waters off Owen Beach. Initially, officers found over 30 cats and kittens living in poor conditions onboard, with many appearing frightened and malnourished.

Coordination began between Marine Services, Animal Control, and the department’s Forensics Unit to safely evacuate the animals. The rescue, initially involving over 30 cats, expanded to a total of 60 over six days.

The final cat is off the boat. Fur real this time!

Officers confirmed that Animal Control was confident all cats had been removed, though they continued visiting the vessel as a precaution. Knowing how adept cats are at hiding, further checks ensured all were accounted for.

The department conducted additional searches with a search warrant. Efforts commenced to legally relocate the registered vessel.

Authorities instructed visitors to Owen Beach to inform Animal Control if they noticed any more cats aboard the sailboat, advising the public against personal rescue attempts.

Despite community eagerness to assist, police emphasized the case remains an active criminal investigation. They encouraged the public to avoid boarding the vessel to maintain the investigation’s integrity.

An external rescuer, Camille Sutherland, reportedly boarded the vessel overnight, capturing two cats and complicating the investigation.

Most rescued cats were taken to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, with others placed in local foster homes. No arrests or charges have been announced in this case.