THE WHALES WERE SO CLOSE TO SHORE GEORGE COULD OF PET THEM/ NO SURPRISE THIS HAPPENED BELOW

By Associated Press
FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. (AP) - The Coast Guard says a 65-foot whale-watching vessel carrying 80 passengers ran aground Wednesday evening north of Lopez Island in northwest Washington's San Juan islands. No injuries were reported and damage to the vessel was minimal.Coast Guard Petty Officer Colin White says several other boats took the passengers off the Odyssey to transport them to Friday Harbor.Odyssey crew members reported the grounding about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.White says Coast Guardsmen from the patrol boat Swordfish responded and determined the Odyssey was taking on water at about a gallon per minute but onboard pumps were dealing with the water. White says no pollution was evident.The whale-watching vessel Western Prince II and several other recreational vessels from Friday Harbor helped off-load the passengers.The Coast Guard says the Odyssey floated free on the incoming tide at about 8:30 p.m. and headed for Friday Harbor.