Coast Guard suspends search for missing fisherman from capsized vessel near Newport; three others rescued

SEATTLE (KTVZ) — The Coast Guard on Monday suspended its search for a missing fisherman from a fishing vessel that capsized Sunday afternoon near Newport, having rescued three other crew members.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received a report around 4 p.m., Sunday that the 40-foot fishing vessel Das Bug, with four people onboard, had taken on water and capsized while heading home through the Yaquina Bay Jetty.

Three people were rescued from the water by a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay and transferred to medics, who brought them to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, where they were treated for hypothermia.

47-foot Motor Lifeboat crews from Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay and an MH-65 Dolphin crew from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend conducted evening searches for the missing individual. A first-light search was conducted by an MH-65 Dolphin crew from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend, with no signs of the missing individual prior to suspension of the search.

“Suspending a search without finding the person you have been looking for is always one of the most difficult decisions we have to make,” said Coast Guard Lt. Cdr. Jacqueline Hunnicutt, search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Columbia River. “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.” 

Rescue crews searched for eight hours, covering a total of 54 square miles. Weather on scene was reported to be 7-foot swells and 13-knot winds.