The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 49 passengers aboard a whale watching vessel that became disabled in the Yaquina Bay bar near Newport on Wednesday.

The 62-foot vessel, Discovery, sent out a “mayday” call at approximately 12:45 p.m. after producing excessive smoke and losing propulsion while traveling between the Yaquina Bay jetties.

Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector Columbia River quickly dispatched two boat crews from Station Yaquina Bay aboard 47-foot Motor Life Boats. The crews arrived at the scene within eight minutes of the distress call.

On arrival, the Coast Guard teams secured the Discovery in a side tow and safely moved it eastbound back to the pier. Upon reaching the dock at 1:30 p.m., the vessel was met by the Newport Fire Department and Pacific West Ambulance.

All passengers and crew disembarked safely to allow firefighters to inspect the vessel. Authorities confirmed that there were no medical emergencies and no fire aboard. All responding crews stood down by 2 p.m.

Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan Kapsar said that the swift response demonstrated the training and preparedness of Station Yaquina Bay crews and the importance of interagency cooperation.

He explained that the communications watchstander activated the search and rescue alarm immediately, and multiple boats were launched due to the number of passengers and the severity of the situation. The Coast Guard’s quick action ensured that all passengers returned safely.

The Yaquina Bay bar, where the incident occurred, is considered a navigational hazard. It forms where river currents meet the ocean, causing sand and sediment to build up at the river’s mouth and creating a shallow, underwater barrier.

The interaction of opposing currents and ocean swells produces turbulent and unpredictable water conditions, which can capsize vessels, particularly if caught broadside to waves.

Reference: USCG

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