General
Abandoned Boat Found Off Tacoma Coast Teeming with Over 30 Cats
Authorities in Washington state rescued more than 30 cats from an abandoned boat, describing the scene as reminiscent of an animated film.
On August 6, 2026, police in Tacoma, Washington, discovered an abandoned boat drifting off Owen Beach. Upon inspection, officers were surprised to find the vessel occupied by more than 30 cats and kittens. Police noted that the sight, with at least 24 cats huddled around the steering wheel in a neglected environment, felt like a scene from a Studio Ghibli film.
While the initial discovery highlighted the unsafe living conditions for the animals, authorities could not immediately intervene due to private ownership of the vessel. Following a swift approval of a search warrant by Tacoma animal control, a multi-agency rescue operation was launched on the morning of August 7. Officers from the Tacoma Police Department and the marine unit worked to safely remove the felines, many of which were reported to be malnourished and fearful.
For residents and visitors, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of animal welfare reporting. While the cats are now being attended to, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the vessel and the animals remains ongoing. It is not yet confirmed who the owner of the boat is or how long the cats had been living in such conditions. Authorities have characterized the rescue as a significant collaborative effort to ensure the safety of the animals involved.