Golden Rule Rammed

To my horror, as I was processing my photos, a good friend posted on Facebook, “The Golden Rule has just been rammed and hulled by Sheriff's Dept. Details lacking at this time." All I know at the moment is that no one was hurt. I don’t know if the boat is taking water, or how extensive the damages are. 

Earlier, while I was down by the river, the Golden Rule (see yesterday if you don’t know the backstory) sailed up the Willamette River past a few of the battleships. It was graceful and lithe, fast and elegant in the water, its red sails unfurled, displaying the international symbol for peace. As is usually the case with peaceful, unarmed protests, security forces were on high alert. At one time I counted eleven boats surrounding the Golden Rule. Some were Coast Guard, some Sheriff’s Department, and some unmarked. Officers from one security boat boarded the Golden Rule. Others barked orders at them but were generally benign and respectful. The captain and crew of the Golden Rule did exactly as they were told and kept their distance from the battleships (see Extra). 

So here is the proud boat, the Peace Boat, the Golden Rule--before it was rammed. If I get more information tonight, I will update.

Update: Friend on Facebook says,"The Washington County Sheriff's boat did indeed strike and gouge the SS Golden Rule during an aggressive harassment maneuver. The boat is not in danger of sinking there is merely a gouge in the hull, not a hole."


Second update from someone who went down to the boat last night: " they were rammed unintentionally by a Washington County sheriff boat. Not much visible damage, but there may be internal structural damage, Helen said."