# Tacoma animal rescue from abandoned boat

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tacoma-animal-rescue-from-abandoned-boat
> Updated: 2026-08-13T20:00:27.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 3.

Tacoma police and animal control officers conducted a rescue operation to save approximately 60 cats and kittens from an abandoned 40-foot sailboat anchored near Owen Beach in Puget Sound. The operation, which began on August 6, 2026, was initiated following reports of a deserted vessel to the Tacoma Police Department’s Marine Services Unit.

The rescue involved a coordinated effort between marine services, animal control, and forensic technicians. After obtaining a search warrant to board the vessel, authorities discovered that the number of animals was significantly higher than the initial report of 30, as many felines were hiding in difficult-to-reach areas. The animals were described as malnourished and frightened.

The cats were transported to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County for medical treatment and recovery. 

An investigation is currently underway to identify the boat’s owner and determine how the colony formed. Authorities are looking into potential animal cruelty or neglect charges, though no criminal charges have been filed at this time. Derek Hieb, a 62-year-old rigger who had been living on the boat, previously told media that the colony may have originated from a single cat he received during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated he left the vessel shortly before it was seized after a cat bite prevented him from rowing back to the boat.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Tacoma police rescue 60 cats from abandoned sailboat

Tacoma police and animal rescuers saved approximately 60 cats and kittens from an abandoned sailboat in Puget Sound, Washington, following a multi-day operation.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tacoma-police-rescue-60-cats-from-abandoned-sailboat

### 2026-08-11: Tacoma police rescue over 30 cats from abandoned yacht

Tacoma police and animal control rescued over 30 malnourished and frightened cats from an abandoned yacht near Owen Beach. An investigation into the vessel's owner is currently underway.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tacoma-police-rescue-over-30-cats-from-abandoned-yacht

### 2026-08-09: Tacoma police rescue over 30 cats from abandoned boat

More than 30 cats and kittens were rescued from an abandoned sailboat in Tacoma, Washington, after being found living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions near Owen Beach.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tacoma-police-rescue-over-30-cats-from-abandoned-boat

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Cite as: Tacoma animal rescue from abandoned boat. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tacoma-animal-rescue-from-abandoned-boat