Coast Guard suspends search for missing fisherman after boat with 4 crew members capsizes

The United States Coast Guard has sadly announced the suspension of the search for a missing fisherman who went missing after a fishing vessel capsized off the coast of Oregon. The incident occurred in challenging conditions, with 7-foot swells and heavy winds making rescue efforts difficult.

According to officials at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, a distress call was received at around 4 p.m. on Sunday reporting that the 40-foot fishing vessel, Das Bug, had capsized while navigating through the Yaquina Bay Jetty. All four crew members were thrown into the water as a result.

Thankfully, three individuals were rescued from the water by a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay. They were promptly transferred to emergency medical services and taken to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital for treatment for hypothermia.

Despite extensive search efforts by crews from Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay and an MH-65 Dolphin crew from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend, the missing fisherman could not be located. An additional search was conducted at first light on Monday, but unfortunately, the decision was made to suspend the search when the individual could not be found.

Over the course of eight hours, rescue crews covered a total of 54 square miles in challenging weather conditions, including 7-foot swells and 13 knot winds. Lt. Cdr. Jacqueline Hunnicutt, search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, expressed the difficulty of suspending a search without finding the missing person, and extended thoughts to the family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time.

The United States Coast Guard’s dedication to search and rescue operations is commendable, and their efforts in this challenging situation are truly admirable. Our thoughts are with the missing fisherman and his family as they navigate this difficult time.