60 Cats Rescued from Abandoned Yacht in Washington

Off the coast of Owen Beach, a deserted yacht became an unexpected home—60 cats and kittens were found aboard, many appearing frightened and underfed.

The unique rescue operation began on August 6, when the marine services division of the Tacoma Police Department responded to reports of a 40-foot sailboat left unattended.

Upon arrival, officers discovered over 30 cats living in perilous conditions. Many of the animals were in distress, prompting Marine Services to collaborate with Animal Control and the Department’s Forensic Division for a safe extraction.

Initially thought to involve just over 30 cats, the count eventually swelled to 60 within six days.

After what felt like a long wait, police confirmed, “That’s it! The last cat has stepped off the boat. Final number of cats: 60!” Their relief was evident as they reported that all cats had been officially removed.

Though they believed the rescue was complete, police decided to revisit the yacht that week just in case any cats were still hiding aboard. “Our job isn’t finished,” they noted, aware that cats can be quite adept at finding hiding spots.

Authorities also initiated the process of relocating the legally registered vessel while advising the public to report any sightings of cats on the boat instead of attempting a rescue on their own.

Those involved expressed gratitude towards the community’s interest and love for animals. However, they emphasized the case is still open, underlining the need for protecting the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Some individuals, motivated by good intentions, took matters into their own hands. One private rescuer named Camille Sutherland spent a night on the yacht, successfully capturing two cats and bringing them to the Humane Society. But police cautioned that such unauthorized actions could complicate the investigation regarding the yacht’s ownership.

No arrests or charges have been reported in connection with the incident yet. In the meantime, it’s heartening to know that over 40 of the rescued cats were taken in by the Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society, with others finding refuge in local foster homes.