Incident on the High Seas

In May (2011) Dorian was due to have some electronics installed up in Campbell River. After having the alternator removed, rebuilt, and re installed it was time for the two day trip from Maple Bay, with a planned overnight in Musket Island Marine Park. Richard & Jill drove out to accompany me on the trip.
We left Maple Bay in beautiful, quiet weather, and after entering Georgia Strait via Gabriola Passage we settled in for the long run up to Musket Island.
The weather decided to build up, however, and we were eventually running in 5 - 6 foot following seas; not that comfortable but everyone was doing "okay". Everything changed however, just off of the Merry Island lighthouse. The engine high temperature alarm came on which precipitated a mad dash below and the engine hatch flung aside. There was nothing to see but billowing green vapour so the engine was shut down and shattered nerves were calmed. Actually no they weren't.
One nasty thing about a boat in rough seas is that it loves to turn sideways to the waves, which is the worst position to be in; very quickly Richard and Jill were very ill. Once I poked my head down into the engine compartment and got a facefull of antifreeze fumes, I joined them at the caprail. Once that was dealt with the Coast Guard was called and two boats were dispatched, one to take Richard and Jill to safety, and the other to tow the boat and myself to Secret Cove. They were at the dock in 10 minutes; the boat and I arrived about an hour later.

Once safely at the dock it was determined that the cooling water pump belt had been thrown off and was sitting quietly in the bilge. The aforementioned alternator re installation was done incorrectly; the belt was misaligned and there should have two installed. The shop in Maple Bay that did the work was informed but they ultimately would not take any financial responsibility.