According to a Monday, September 1st, press release from the U.S. Coast Guard, watchstanders at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received a report from Curry County 911 call regarding reports of an overturned catamaran, Sunday, August 31st.
Boat crews from U.S. Coast Guard Station Chetco River, including and a 47-foot motor lifeboat and 29-foot response boat were immediately dispatched with a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station North Bend to search for the missing crew.
The vessel, a 26-foot catamaran, capsized in 18-20 knot winds, 4–6-foot waves, and 55-degree water temperature.with 3 crew aboard approximately 4 miles off the coast of Gold Beach.at approximately 9:00pm.
A two-person jet ski team from Gold Beach Water Safety also assisted in the search and an additional helicopter crew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay was called to assist and arrived on scene at approximately 4:00am.
One of the 3 men aboard the catamaran was rescued and transported by a good Samaritan to Gold Beach for medical evaluation by local EMS. It was reported that the three individuals donned life jackets prior to the vessel capsizing.
A first light search covering more than 75 square nautical miles was conducted by a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station North Bend Monday morning, but were unfortunately unable to locate the missing men.
The Coast Guard has suspended the search for the two men who went missing after the motorized catamaran they were on capsized Sunday night near Gold Beach, Oregon.
“This is a very tragic situation,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Carlos Hessler Officer in Charge of Station Chetco River. “Anytime there is a vessel in distress, we do everything we can to help those in need. Our hearts are with the boaters and their families during this difficult time”.
