Pollution Investigators Responding to Grounded Vessel off Oregon

The Coast Guard is responding to a pollution incident on the beach just north of the Coos Bay entrance near North Bend, Ore., Sunday.

The 50-foot fishing vessel New York ran aground on the beach shortly after reporting that the vessel was taking on water at approximately 5:30 a.m.

Coast Guard Station Coos Bay in Charleston, Ore., launched a 47-foot motor life boat and Group Air Station North Bend in North Bend, Ore., launched an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter to respond. The helicopter crew attempted to hoist the three fishermen on board but was unable to because of the vessel’s instability due to the surf. The fisherman eventually swam ashore on their own.

PHOTO: - Debris from the 50-foot fishing vessel New York has washed ashore on the beach north of the Coos Bay 

The helicopter crew landed on the beach, picked up the fisherman and transferred them to awaiting EMS at Group Air Station North Bend.

The vessel’s captain later reported that approximately 300 gallons of diesel, 15 gallons of hydraulic oil and 1/2 gallon of oil are on board.

Coast Guard pollution investigators have responded and are working to develop an effective clean-up operation.

"Sector Columbia River has taken an aggressive and proactive response by hiring an oil spill response contractor to assess and perform the clean-up project, said Lt. Johna Rossetti, Assistant Division Chief, Coast Guard Sector Columbia River Incident Management Division. "Our primary goals are the safety of responders and to recover as much pollution as possible to protect the environment."