Coast Guard Suspends Search for Two Men off Gold Beach, Oregon

By U.S. Coast Guard

The Coast Guard has suspended the search for two men who went missing after the motorized catamaran they were on capsized Sunday night near Gold Beach, Oregon.

A third person, who was on the catamaran, was rescued and transported by a good Samaritan to Gold Beach for medical evaluation by local EMS. It was reported that the three individuals donned life jackets prior to the vessel capsizing.

At approximately 9:00 p.m., Sunday, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received a report from Curry County 911 of an overturned 26-foot catamaran approximately 4 miles off the coast of Gold Beach.

Boat crews aboard a 47-foot motor lifeboat and 29-foot response boat small from Station Chetco River and a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station North Bend were dispatched to search for the missing men. A two-person jet ski team from Gold Beach Water Safety also assisted in the search. Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay, California was called to assist and arrived on scene at approximately 4:00 a.m.

A MH-65 from Air Station North Bend, conducted a first light search Monday morning, but were unfortunately unable to locate the missing men.

Crews searched over 130 track-line miles, covering more than 75 square nautical miles.

“This is a very tragic situation,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Carlos Hessler Officer in Charge of Station Chetco River. “Anytime there is a vessel in distress, we do everything we can to help those in need. Our hearts are with the boaters and their families during this difficult time”

Weather conditions at the time of search were 18-20 knots winds, 4–6-foot waves, 57-degree air temperature, and 55-degree water temperature.