U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River

12/18/2025

⚠️ Weather Update: Strong Winds and Heavy Rain Expected ⚠️

The National Weather Service is forecasting strong winds and periods of heavy rain across northwest Oregon and the Oregon coast from Thursday into Friday.

🌬️ Winds:
Widespread gusts of 25–40 mph are expected, with peak gusts up to 55–70 mph possible in the windiest locations, especially along the coast, in the Cascades, and east of the Cascades.

🌧️ Rainfall:
Moderate to heavy rain may lead to rapid rises on creeks, streams, and rivers. While widespread river flooding is not anticipated at this time, localized flooding remains possible in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

🚤 Coast Guard Actions:
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River is actively coordinating with the Oregon Emergency Coordination Center, the National Weather Service, and state, local, and tribal partners to maintain shared situational awareness. Coast Guard stations and command centers along the coast and Columbia River are synchronized with local responders and are postured to respond as conditions evolve.

⚓ Safety Guidance:
• Mariners should closely monitor weather forecasts, review voyage plans, and be prepared for hazardous conditions.
• Secure loose gear and moorings.
• Avoid flooded areas and exercise caution on waterways impacted by high water and strong currents.

The Coast Guard’s priorities remain the safety of coastal communities, mariners, our responders, and the Maritime Transportation System. We stand ready to provide assistance and mutual aid if requested.

At this time, all bars remain restricted, for updates refer to: https://www.weather.gov/pqr/allbars

For Local Notice to Mariners:https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/lnms/lnm13512025.pdf

12/16/2025

🚨 Coast Guard Responds to Capsized Vessel off Newport, Oregon

On Dec. 14, Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received a distress call from the commercial fishing vessel VALOR III approximately three nautical miles west of Newport, Oregon, reporting the vessel was taking on water and at risk of capsizing.

The Coast Guard immediately issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and launched a Coast Guard helicopter and small boat crews from Station Yaquina Bay, while coordinating with state and local partner agencies.

All persons aboard were safely recovered from the water by responding crews, partner agencies, and a Good Samaritan vessel, the fishing vessel RILEA. Survivors were evaluated by local emergency medical services, and no serious injuries were reported.

We thank the maritime community and the crew of RILEA for their quick actions and professionalism in assisting with the rescue.

Mariners are reminded to wear proper safety gear, maintain reliable communications, and file a float plan before heading out on the water.

10/01/2025

NOTICE: DUE TO THE LAPSE IN FEDERAL FUNDING, INFORMATION ON THIS SOCIAL MEDIA SITE WILL NOT BE ACTIVELY MANAGED.

09/18/2025

What a quick response by our rescue crews at U.S. Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay!

This afternoon, a whale watching boat with 49 passengers aboard became disabled and was experiencing excessive smoke while transiting the narrow Yaquina Bay bar.

U.S. Coast Guard crews were on scene in less than 10 minutes following the 'mayday' call from the captain. They towed the vessel back into Newport and were met by the local fire department and EMS.

There were no medical concerns.

"Station members train for incidents such as this, and we’re glad that we were able to get everyone back safely," said BM1 Kapsar.

Full press release:
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4307210/coast-guard-rescues-49-passengers-aboard-whale-watching-vessel-after-becoming-d/

Go Coast Guard

09/13/2025

At 1600, Sept. 12, Coast Guard Station Coos Bay received a distress call from a concerned mariner over Channel 16 reporting an overturned kayak with one person stranded on the rocks near Sunset Bay.

📟 A 29-foot Response Boat crew launched immediately and quickly located a man waving for help. They pulled him aboard, but he was drifting in and out of consciousness.

🚁 A Coast Guard Air Station North Bend helicopter arrived soon after, deploying a rescue swimmer to provide advanced care. The patient was transferred to Bay Cities Ambulance and Charleston Fire Department EMS for treatment.

👏 This case highlights the fast response of our Station Coos Bay watchstanders and boat crew, and the seamless coordination with our aircrew and local partners that ensured this kayaker got the care he needed.

Thank to our EMS partners for the seamless coordination… this is what we do.

Always remember: wear your life jacket and carry a waterproof means of communication when heading out on the water.

08/15/2025

08/13/2025

The Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing woman near Westport, Washington, at 1:55 p.m., Tuesday.

Watchstanders at Sector Columbia River received a report at approximately 6 p.m., Monday, via Grays Harbor dispatch for an overdue kayaker that had not been seen by her husband for the past hour after getting separated due to weather in the vicinity of Oyhut Bay.

The Coast Guard immediately dispatched a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria and a boat crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor.

Coast Guard crews searched until 11:30 p.m. Assisting with the search were first responders from multiple partner agencies, including Grays Harbor Fire and Police Department, Grays Harbor County Sheriff, Ocean Shores Police, and Washington State Parks.

At sunrise, a first light search was also conducted by Station Grays Harbor and an aircrew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles.

"Suspending a search is never a decision we make lightly,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jacquilne Hunnicutt, search and rescue mission coordinator. “We work methodically with our partners, using every available resource, until all reasonable chances of rescue have been exhausted. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Full Press Release:
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4273163/coast-guard-suspends-search-for-missing-woman-near-westport-wash/

08/06/2025

🎣 BUOY 10 IS BACK! LET’S STAY SAFE OUT THERE 🚤
We love seeing so many anglers out enjoying the Buoy 10 salmon season—but with the excitement comes a big uptick in boat traffic on the Columbia River.
⚠️ A Quick Reminder:
If you're anchored or trolling in a narrow channel, you’re required to make way for larger vessels. Ships and tugs can't stop or turn like you can—and they will call you out over VHF 16 if you're in the way.

📌 Failure to yield can result in:
• Dangerous collisions
• Coast Guard or law enforcement boardings
• Citations and federal fines

✅ Keep it safe and fun:
• Steer clear of the main channel when possible
• Maintain a lookout, especially in fog or low light
• Monitor Channel 16
• Give commercial vessels the space they need

Thanks for helping us keep the river safe—for you, your crew, and everyone else chasing that next big bite. 🎣

07/30/2025

The Tsunami Watch has been chnged to an Advisory.

What this means:

DO NOT go to the coast to watch waves coming in. Currents can be unpredictable and it will be dark out. This can be similar to a sneaker wave situation where you will not be able to see logs or other objects that could become projectiles.

⚠️ Stay off beaches, jetties, and marinas.
🚫 Do not go to the shore to watch the waves.
✅ Remain in a safe location away from the coast until the advisory is lifted.

Go to https://tsunami.gov/ for the latest info.

Stay safe!

Tsunami Advisory in Effect for Oregon Coast 🚨
Following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia (Kamchatka region), a Tsunami Advisory remains in effect for the Oregon Coast.

Small tsunami waves are expected to reach parts of Oregon’s coastline, with wave heights generally between 1 to 2 feet. 🌊

Expected wave arrival (PDT): 📍

Port Orford: 11:40 PM

Charleston: 11:45 PM

Brookings: 11:50 PM

Seaside & Newport: ~11:55 PM

📢 What You Should Do:
⚠️ Stay off beaches, harbors, and marinas.
🚫 Do not go to the shore to watch the waves.
✅ Remain in a safe location away from the coast until the advisory is lifted.

This is not a major tsunami, but dangerous currents and strong waves may pose a risk to those near the water.

Stay tuned to official sources for updates.

https://tsunami.gov/events/PAAQ/2025/07/29/t06p1k/3/WEAK51/WEAK51.txt?fbclid=IwY2xjawL2XNNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFOZXlXckdRR0pjQ2llM1pmAR41xcV-3YePcT7hyZaWfhZOTIixlAcRaYXittxtXEfmjWVrqYDi5n62QCkPGA_aem_YNmT0ozKjg1fFNJR2b23Sg

07/02/2025

🚤 Operation Dry Water – July 4–6 🇺🇸

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River is joining agencies nationwide this weekend for Operation Dry Water, a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence.

⚠️ Alcohol remains the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating deaths—and it plays a major role in serious incidents on the water.

We urge all boaters to make safety your top priority by committing to sober boating practices—this weekend and all year long. Whether it’s alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs (legal or illegal), impairment can seriously affect your judgment, coordination, and reaction time on the water.

Let’s keep our rivers and coastal waters safe for everyone.

06/20/2025

Fair winds and welcome aboard! ⚓️

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter David Duren held a Change of Command ceremony in Astoria, Oregon, where LT Casey Rude was relieved by LT Michael Odell as commanding officer.

Under LT Rude’s leadership, David Duren executed critical missions throughout the Columbia River system and along the Oregon Coast—including law enforcement patrols, environmental protection, and port security operations. His steady hand, operational skill, and dedication to his crew left a lasting mark.

“It was an honor to serve alongside the men and women of the Duren,” said Rude. “Every patrol, every case—we met the mission together. I’ll carry this experience with pride.”

LT Odell arrives with a strong operational background and a deep commitment to mission readiness and crew development. The crew looks forward to continuing the cutter’s proud legacy under his leadership.

Bravo Zulu, LT Rude — and welcome aboard, LT Odell!

Special thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and our many partners who helped make the event a success!

Port of Astoria
Clatsop County Sheriff's Office
Astoria Fire Department
Columbia River Maritime Museum