Iconic John Wayne yacht runs aground in San Juans

A weekend excursion to the San Juan Islands might be a wrap for the first yacht owned by legendary film actor John Wayne.

The 76-foot Norwester, which for several years has been an iconic presence on the La Conner waterfront, ran aground and nearly sank in Prevost Harbor off Stuart Island, its eight passengers safely rescued by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office rescue boat and Whatcom County deputies.

The vessel sustained a gaping one-foot gash in the hull. Some fear it will not be seaworthy soon – if at all.

The Norwester most recently has been moored at Pioneer Point Marina south of...