(Tribune News Service) — A charter passenger vessel sank after striking a rock off Santa Cruz Island in Southern California, forcing 14 people aboard to abandon ship, the U.S. Coast Guard reported.

The captain of the Sea Jay issued a “mayday” call at 2:33 a.m. on Thursday, June 15, the Coast Guard said in a news release.

“The captain told the passengers and crew to abandon the ship while he anchored the vessel and released the life raft before boarding the raft as well,” Coast Guard officials said.

Responding to a request for help, a nearby vessel began rescuing the 10 passengers and four crewmembers.

A California Department of Fish and Wildlife small boat and a Coast Guard boat and helicopter soon arrived to ferry the rescued people to shore for medical treatment, the release said.

“This was a dynamic case that resulted in lives saved due to the quick actions of a good Samaritan, our Coast Guard watchstanders, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,” said Capt. Ryan Manning, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles – Long Beach.

The Sea Jay is fully submerged with a sheen on the surface. The Coast Guard is working to respond to the pollution and investigate the sinking.

Santa Cruz Island is about 90 miles west of Los Angeles.

©2023 The Charlotte Observer.

Visit charlotteobserver.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.