Seattle Coast Guard hit with laser while conducting search-and-rescue

POINT WELLS, WA – A Seattle Coast Guard crew was hit by a laser beam on Monday night while they were conducting a search-and-rescue operation near Point Wells.

According to KOMO News, the crew was hit by the blue laser sometime Monday night while they were in the cabin of their 45-foot boat. Members of the crew reported experiencing pain in their eyes and could not continue their rescue operation.

Officials believe that whoever pointed the laser at the boat was between Richmond Beach and Edmonds and intentionally aimed it at the cabin of the boat.

Authorities are asking the public for any information that would lead to the suspect involved in Monday night’s incident. Pointing a laser beam at a government-operated craft, such as the Seattle Coast Guard’s vessel, is a federal crime.

There were no further details about the rescue mission the Coast Guard was attempting.

[cta]