Coast Guard rescues 4 from commercial fishing vessel near Brookings, Jan. 21

A Coast Guard boatcrew from Station Chetco River, in Brookings rescued four people after a 62-foot fishing vessel collided with the Chetco River South Jetty, Monday evening, Jan. 20. The crew of the fishing vessel Jo Marie contacted the Coast Guard via VHF-FM radio at 8:16 p.m. Crewmembers from Station Chetco River launched aboard a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat and watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Bend directed the launch of an aircrew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station North Bend. The MLB boatcrew was able to safely rescue all four people and transferred them to emergency medical services at Station Chetco River. There were no reports of major injuries. The vessel reportedly has a capacity of approximately 3,000 gallons of fuel, and there have been no reports of pollution in the area. Coast Guard marine investigators from Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, in Warrenton are investigating the incident. A marine-band radio is the best way to contact the Coast Guard or marine response agencies if mariners are in distress on the water. When a mayday is sent out via VHF-FM radio it is a broadcast, not just a one-to-one communication as when made via phone. When mariners ask for help on a marine radio, nearby boaters can hear the distress call and offer assistance or re-send vital information. VHF-FM channel 16 is the international distress frequency and should be used for emergencies.