Sea Scouts speak out after sailboat capsizes in San Francisco Bay
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The children whose sailboat capsized on the San Francisco Bay over the weekend are speaking out about what they went through.
There were no injuries. Many say they weren't very scared because of the training they had but are more worried about the damage to the boat.
It happened during the weekly training exercise of the Sea Scouts, a youth sailing program that teaches leadership and nautical skills. One adult and 15 children had to be rescued near Aquatic Park.
RELATED: 15 Sea Scouts rescued after boat flips in San Francisco Bay
"It came over on this side and we kind of got tossed in the water," said Ba-Duong, one of the youngest sea scouts.
On Saturday, he wasn't the youngest on board "The Viking" when it capsized.
A shivering 7-year-old was a guest on the 30-foot boat that day.
Jack Calvin, 16, flew into the water after the main sail didn't release, causing the boat to tip over. "I tried to make sure that everyone was holding onto or holding onto someone who was holding on to the boat and that everyone was satying together," he said.
"The wind was blowing really strong and the waves were really big and the water was really salty and just crashing everywhere," Sea Scout Milla Limkin said.
The kids all wore life jackets. They were in the chilly bay water for more than 20 minutes before help arrived.
Everyone was checked for hypothermia.
It took a full day to tow "The Viking" back to the boat yard. The damage is extensive.
RELATED: Sea Scouts rescued from SF Bay need money for repairs
"The stern post is split, it's held on by this now bent bronze strap," Sea Scouts Executive Officer Steven Welch said.
It'll take a specialized boat carpenter three weeks and $50,000 to repair the boat.
That's why program organizers started a GoFundMe page.
Every Sea Scout involved in Saturday's capsize is anxious to get back on the bay as soon as possible.
If you want to help out, you can send a check to the group's non-profit chartering partner, who can take donations on their behalf. Please direct donations to:
San Francisco Sailing Whaleboat Association
220 Sansome St. Suite 900
San Francisco, CA 94104
