WARRENTON, Ore. — The Coast Guard is searching for two confirmed people in the area north and south of the North Jetty of Grays Harbor, Washington, Friday after a 20-foot Boston Whaler was found capsized 30 yards offshore and in the surf zone Thursday evening.
The vessel was determined to be registered to a 68 year-old male from Olympia, Washington. Olympia Police conducted a welfare check with negative results but were able to contact neighbors who stated that he was on a fishing trip with a female.
During the search last night, Coast Guard Sector Columbia River personnel were able to identify the number of people they were searching for by correlating registration information from the boat and ensuing welfare check, and the woman reportedly in her 30s was reported missing by her husband Thursday evening.
The Coast Guard is searching the area with crews aboard a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Station Grays Harbor located in Westport, and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Astoria.
The capsized boat, life jackets, coolers and various other items of debris washed ashore north of the North Jetty during the night.
A truck with an empty boat trailer, owned by the missing male, was located at the Westport boat launch.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing people during this time of uncertainty," said Mark Dobney, command duty officer, Sector Columbia River. "Our dedicated crews are searching tirelessly for any signs of the missing people and will continue to do so as we monitor the situation."
Sea conditions in the search area are 4-foot swells with a water temperature of 59 degrees, and the air temperature is 63 degrees with 10 miles of visibility.