Vessel in Trouble Off Oregon Coast Rescued by Coast Guard

The Coast Guard is presently enroute back to port with the disabled vessel in tow.

Salem-News.com

(TILLAMOOK, Ore.) - The Coast Guard is in the process of towing the crew of a disabled 65-foot sailing vessel back to Tillamook Bay, Oregon.

The Coast Guard says they received a report via VHF-FM radio just after 8:00 AM that the sailing vessel Hawaiian Chieftain, with 12 people aboard, was foundering in 14-foot seas and 35 knot winds.

It was also reported that the sails were lowered due to the wind speed and that the vessel's inboard 490-horsepower engine has seized.

Coast Guard Station Tillamook Bay dispatched a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew to assist. Both vessels are due back to port Tuesday afternoon.

No injuries have been reported.

Weather conditions on scene are reported as rainy, with 30-35 knot winds and 14-foot seas. The Coast Guard weather advisories report that there are gale warnings and small craft advisories posted for the Washington and Oregon coast.