By Joe Smillie, Forum Editor

The Coast Guard is investigating the Sept. 27 sinking of a fishing vessel off James Island.

Three fishermen, who were not identified, were rescued from the Fjord Mist.

Petty Officer David Mosley said the 50-foot, LaPush-based ship sank in 103 feet of water.

The fishermen were not injured, Mosley said, and were taken to Coast Guard station Quillayute River at LaPush.

The crew was fishing for hagfish.

The sinking left a small sheen on the water from the boat’s fuel, Mosley said.

The rescue included two Quillayute River station boats and a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from the Coast Guard’s Port Angeles station.

The investigation could take weeks, Mosley said.