A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria, a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station North Bend and two good Samaritans crews rescued five people from a sinking charter boat 27-miles west of Siletz Bay, Saturday, Aug. 9. Coast Guard Sector North Bend watchstanders received a mayday call from the master of the 31-foot vessel G-Spot reporting the vessel was taking on water, forcing the five people aboard the to abandon ship. The Jayhawk crew arrived on scene and hoisted three people from the water. Additionally, good Samaritans aboard two nearby vesselsg retrieved the remaining two people from the water. They were subsequently hoisted by the Jayhawk and Dolphin helicopter crews for further transport to medical care. The crew of the Jayhawk transported four of the survivors to the nearby airport where they were met by local emergency medical services for further transport to the hospital. The remaining survivor was transported via Dolphin directly to the hospital. All five survivors are reported to be in good condition. “This case illustrates the importance of having you vessel properly outfitted with emergency equipment,” said Mark Hiigel, sector response department head, Coast Guard Sector North Bend. “Because the people aboard this vessel made a mayday radio call and activated their emergency position indicating radio beacon before abandoning ship, our helicopter crews were able to locate them immediately and get them help they needed.” Weather on scene at the time of the incident was reported as 20 mph winds and 8-foot seas. The cause of the sinking is under investigation and no pollution has been reported at this time. The vessel is reported to be unlit, unmanned and a hazard to navigation drifting south. All mariners are advised to keep a sharp lookout to prevent collisions.
