Ship Grounding at Newport, July 13

Coast Guard personnel are investigating a fishing vessel that went aground and subsequently broke apart on the North Jetty of Yaquina Bay in Newport, Friday, July 10. “Sector Columbia River investigators are conducting and investigation into the incident,” said Chief Petty Officer Bradley Bennett, a marine science technician with the Incident Management Division at Sector Columbia River. “Investigations are used to to gain and understanding of an incident, and could result in enforcement actions.” Sector North Bend watchstanders received a call from the vessel’s captain around 1:30 a.m. stating he ran aground. A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Station Yaquina Bay and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Facility Newport launched in response. Once on scene, both crews reported the vessel out of the water on the rocks and the vessel operator standing on the jetty. A rescue swimmer was lowered from the helicopter and safely escorted the captain to emergency personnel on shore. When vessel broke apart against the rocks up to 80 gallons of diesel was reportedly released. Weather on scene was reported as 5 mph winds and 3-foot seas.