PHOTOS: Yacht formerly belonging to John Wayne hits reef, sits half submerged

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Photo: KGMI/Deb Fritz, Towline Marine Assist, Friday Harbor

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. — Even the Duke couldn’t get ’em through this….

The boat that was John Wayne’s first yacht and has a long history in our region now sits half submerged after hitting a reef off Stuart Island Saturday afternoon.

No one was hurt but the 76-foot Norwester suffered heavy damage to its keel and hull and took on water.

Deb Fritz of Towline Marine Assist in Friday Harbor says her company responded to control pollution and stabilize the craft until it can be removed from the reef near Prevost Harbor.

The Norwester has been chartered out of Anacortes and La Conner, and for a number of years served as a floating museum of John Wayne’s life and legendary acting career.

It’s been in private hands for the past several years, and Fritz says the owner is contemplating whether to restore the historic boat after this costly and complicated recovery.

Images courtesy of Deb Fritz, Towline Marine Assist, Friday Harbor

The Norwester, John Wayne’s first yacht, after it struck a reef near Stewart Island on 4-17-2021

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