Coast Guard assists sinking catamaran near Deep Creek Locks in Chesapeake, Va.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - A Coast Guard rescue boat crew from Station Portsmouth assisted two adults, three children and a dog aboard a catamaran taking on water near the Deep Creek Locks in Chesapeake Thursday afternoon. The owner of the 38-foot catamaran Hull-a-balloo called watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads at approximately 11:40 a.m. stating that he was taking on approximately 200 gallons of water per minute after alliding with a log while transiting the Dismal Swamp Canal. The owner and four passengers were able to keep up with the flooding using an onboard bilge pump and hand pumps, but were unable to get all of the water out.