Police rescue 60 cats and kittens from abandoned sailboat off Washington beach after 6-day operation

An abandoned sailboat off a Washington beach was home to an unexpected crew: 60 cats and kittens, many of them some frightened and malnourished.

The Tacoma Police Department said the unusual rescue began Aug. 6 when its Marine Services Unit responded to reports of an abandoned 40-foot sailboat in the waters off Owen Beach.

Officers initially discovered more than 30 cats and kittens living in unsafe conditions aboard the vessel, with many appearing frightened and malnourished. Marine Services began coordinating with Animal Control and the department's Forensics Unit to safely remove the animals.

What initially appeared to be a rescue involving more than 30 cats eventually grew to 60 over the course of a rescue effort spanning six days.

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"That's a wrap! The final cat is off the boat. Fur real this time!" police wrote. "Final cat count: 60!"

Police said Animal Control was "as certain as they can be that all cats have officially disembarked."

"That's all for meow!" the department joked online.

Despite believing all 60 cats had been rescued, police said they would continue making trips to the boat this week as a precaution.

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"While we believe we have safely removed all of the cats from the boat, as any cat owner knows, cats are exceptionally good at hiding," police said. "Because there is always a possibility that a cat may remain onboard, our work isn't quite finished."

The department said the additional searches would be conducted under the authority of a search warrant.

Police said Marine Services has also begun the process of having the legally registered vessel moved.

Authorities asked people visiting Owen Beach or boating nearby to notify Animal Control if they spot another cat aboard the vessel, while warning members of the public not to attempt their own rescues.

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"We know many animal lovers in our community want to help, and we appreciate the concern for these cats," the police said. "However, this remains an active criminal case. Our teams are working hard to protect the animals while also protecting the integrity of the investigation."

"PLEASE DO NOT BOARD THE VESSEL unless you are the legal owner," police added.

The warning followed an incident in which private cat rescue trapper Camille Sutherland told KING 5 she boarded the vessel overnight and captured two cats, which she took to the Humane Society.

Sutherland told the outlet she was trying to help and believed authorities were taking too long to rescue the animals.

Police told KING 5 that the unauthorized boarding complicated their investigation into the vessel's owner.

Police have not announced any arrests or charges in connection with the case.

More than 40 of the 60 rescued cats were taken to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, while the remaining animals were placed in foster homes in the area, according to KING 5.