Tacoma police rescued 60 cats and kittens from an abandoned 40-foot sailboat off Owen Beach in Washington after a six-day operation. The Marine Services Unit initially found more than 30 animals aboard on Aug. 6, many of them frightened and malnourished. Animal Control and the department’s Forensics Unit helped remove the cats safely. More than 40 were taken to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, while others went to area foster homes.
| 1) | Rescue begins aboard an abandoned sailboat |
| 2) | Six-day operation reveals 60 cats |
| 3) | Animals are moved to care and foster homes |
| 4) | Police warn the public not to board |
| 5) | Investigation and vessel removal continue |
Rescue begins aboard an abandoned sailboat
The Tacoma Police Department began the operation on Aug. 6 after receiving reports of an abandoned sailboat in the waters off Owen Beach. Marine Services officers responded to the 40-foot vessel and found more than 30 cats and kittens living aboard in unsafe conditions. Several animals appeared frightened and malnourished, prompting a coordinated response focused on removing them without causing further harm.
Marine Services worked with Animal Control and the department’s Forensics Unit. The teams had to search the vessel and handle animals that could hide or become difficult to capture. The boat’s location offshore made the rescue a marine operation rather than a routine animal-control call.
Six-day operation reveals 60 cats
What initially appeared to involve more than 30 cats expanded as officers continued searching the sailboat. Over six days, the operation produced a final count of 60 cats and kittens. Police said Animal Control was as certain as possible that every animal had disembarked, while acknowledging that cats can remain concealed in confined spaces.
“That’s a wrap! The final cat is off the boat. Fur real this time! Final cat count: 60!”
Although the department announced the completion of the main rescue, officers planned additional trips to the vessel as a precaution. Those searches were to be conducted under the authority of a search warrant because investigators remained concerned that an animal could still be aboard.
Animals are moved to care and foster homes
The rescued cats were distributed among animal-care facilities and foster placements. More than 40 were taken to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, while the remaining animals were placed in foster homes in the area, according to local reporting. The arrangements gave the animals immediate shelter after their time aboard the abandoned vessel.
Police have not provided a detailed medical assessment for each cat, but described many of the animals as frightened and malnourished. Their removal required cooperation between law enforcement, Animal Control and community caregivers to protect the animals while the criminal investigation continued.
Police warn the public not to board
Authorities asked people visiting Owen Beach or boating nearby to notify Animal Control if they saw another cat aboard the sailboat. They also warned members of the public not to attempt independent rescues or board the vessel unless they were its legal owner.
The warning followed an incident involving private cat rescue trapper Camille Sutherland, who told local television news that she boarded the boat overnight and captured two cats before taking them to the Humane Society. Sutherland said she was trying to help and believed the official rescue was taking too long. Police said the unauthorized boarding complicated their investigation into the vessel’s owner.
“However, this remains an active criminal case. Our teams are working hard to protect the animals while also protecting the integrity of the investigation.”
Investigation and vessel removal continue
Police said Marine Services had begun the process of having the legally registered sailboat moved. The department also planned precautionary searches under a warrant, allowing investigators to verify that no cats remained hidden aboard.
No arrests or charges had been announced in connection with the case. The department’s continuing work therefore involved both animal protection and evidence preservation. Officials urged the public to report sightings rather than intervene directly, helping investigators maintain control of the vessel and the surrounding operation.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Police rescued 60 cats and kittens from an abandoned sailboat. |
| 2 | The operation began Aug. 6 and lasted six days. |
| 3 | More than 40 cats went to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. |
| 4 | Police warned the public not to board the vessel. |
| 5 | No arrests or charges had been announced. |
Summary
A coordinated Tacoma police operation removed 60 cats and kittens from an abandoned sailboat off Owen Beach. The animals were transferred to a humane society and foster homes, while officers continued precautionary searches and worked to move the vessel. The case remained active, and authorities asked the public to report sightings without attempting private rescues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the cats found?
They were found aboard an abandoned 40-foot sailboat in the waters off Owen Beach in Tacoma, Washington.
How many cats were rescued?
Tacoma police said the final count was 60 cats and kittens, including animals discovered during the six-day search.
Where were the rescued animals taken?
More than 40 were taken to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, and the others were placed in foster homes in the area.
Have authorities announced arrests or charges?
No arrests or charges had been announced in connection with the case.
