U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Assists Dolly Steamboat

Canyon Lake, Arizona - After a morning patrol on Arizonas Canyon Lake, the crew of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boat ALFA 391 had just placed their lunch orders Canyon Lake Restaurant. A rumor started to run around the restaurant that the Dolly Steamboat may be in trouble. Coxswain Bud Gothann and crewmembers Dave Cotner and Tom Nunes ask their waitress Terry to hold their order as they quickly left the restaurant to check out the rumor. As they speed to the Dolly, Tom reported to their Auxiliarist Mary Klock via satellite telephone that the patrol was proceeding to render assistance as may be needed by the Dolly. About ten minutes later, the 26 foot long Auxiliary vessel found the Dolly broadside up against the rocks near Bear Can Point. The Captain, Tom Hendrickson, advised that he had lost both engines and that the vessel was on the rocks. Forty people were aboard the 103 foot, forty ton excursion boat. A Maricopa County Sheriffs manned only by one deputy boat was on scene. Coxswain Bud asked the Deputy to place a line aft on Dolly while Dave and Tom passed a towline to Dollys Skipper at the bow. Both the Sheriff and Coast Guard Auxiliary boats nudged the Dolly off the rocks. The Sheriffs boat was released as the Coast Guard Auxiliary boat swung Dolly into a traditional Coast Guard short hawser stern tow. Dave Cotner positioned himself forward on A391 signally approaching boats to slow down so as not to put undue strain on the towing hawser. Tom Nunes stood tow watch as Bud Gothan skillfully maneuvered the Auxiliary vessel and Dolly down river. Dollys passengers were delighted and relieved that they were moving safely. A couple of Dollys passengers were asked to move aft for their own safety. Dollys Captain continued to work on his engines as the vessel was being towed. Just before reaching the main body of water at Canyon Lake, one engine was started. A391 released the tow and escorted Dolly to open water. Passengers gave a hearty a round of applause to the crew of U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boat A391. Captain Hendrickson thanked the Coast Guard Auxiliary crew for being there. Dolly is operated by Arizona Steamboat Cruises of Apache Junction, Arizona and sails on Canyon Lake allowing passengers view flora and fauna of the lower Sonoran desert and hear some of the legends and lore of the Superstition Mountains. Canyon Lake is located 14 miles northeast of Apache Junction, AZ. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is composed of uniformed, non-military volunteer's who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education. There are some 150 members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Arizona who patrol Lakes Pleasant, Saguaro, Canyon, Roosevelt, Powell, and Havasu, and others. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary in 1941. Its 30,000 members donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions.