SEATTLE — A Coast Guard boat crew rescued two fishermen after a 27-foot fishing vessel sank while being towed near the entrance buoy to Umpqua River, Oregon, Tuesday evening.
The Station Umpqua River-based 29-foot Foot RBS-II crew safely recovered the two men in minutes and transported them to Station Umpqua River, where they were met by waiting EMS personnel and released in good condition.
The master of the fishing vessel Rosanna contacted the Coast Guard via VHF-FM radio at about 1:40 p.m. reporting that the vessel was disabled, adrift between Winchester Bay and Florence, Oregon. Coast Guard boatcrews aboard 47-foot Motor Life Boats from Station Umpqua River and Station Siuslaw River launched to provide assistance. After arriving at the vessel’s location, the Siuslaw River-based MLB crew placed the vessel in astern tow and began transiting south to provide a safer environment for the fishermen.
The Umpqua River-based MLB crew then arrived on scene to complete towing operations. During the transfer, the vessel reportedly began taking on water and the Siuslaw River-based MLB crew provided dewatering equipment.
As the tow continued toward Station Umpqua River the fishing vessel crewmembers reported that the de-watering equipment was not keeping up with the rising water level. The vessel sank at about 7:45 p.m. about 200 yards from the Umpqua River Lighted Entrance Buoy 2. Both crewmembers entered the water and were recovered by the RBS-II crew that was waiting near the entrance buoy.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Bend, Oregon, are broadcasting a safety broadcast notice to mariners on VHF-FM channel 16. There is a small debris field located outside the channel, but is still considered a hazard to navigation. Light sheening has been reported in the area.
On-scene weather was reported to be 55-degree water with 3-to-5 foot seas and visibility of five nautical miles.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.