On Thursday evening, June 8th, the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received a report regarding a 26 ft. commercial fishing vessel that had not returned back to the marina at the time expected, at approximately 7:30pm.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River immediately dispatched a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat and rescue boat-crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Chetco River as well as an aircrew aboard a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station North Bend as the local police department confirmed the operator’s truck and trailer were still at the boat ramp.
The caller, identified as the wife of the captain of the vessel, also informed dispatchers that at approximately 3:00pm Thursday afternoon, the vessel was contacted by a friend for last time. Incredibly, utilizing cell phone forensics, U.S. Coast Guard watchstanders were able to quickly narrow down a viable search area.
The aircrew located the vessel with the men, who had been sitting on the overturned hull for close to 8 hours without life jackets, just after 11:00pm, and was able to direct to the Motor Lifeboat to the scene.
The Motor Lifeboat crew from Station Chetco River arrived to the capsized vessel and safely recovered both individuals who were showing signs of hypothermia at approximately 11:30pm. Both men were brought to Coast Guard Station Chetco River, arriving 2:00am Friday morning, before being seen and released by awaiting EMS responders.
