Fishing vessel navigating through stormy seas.

On Saturday afternoon at approximately 4:40 p.m., a 38-foot fishing boat capsized at the mouth of Tillamook Bay, sending all four individuals on board into the water. Fortunately, the U.S. Coast Guard was monitoring the area from a nearby watchtower when the incident occurred, enabling a swift response from rescue crews.

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Coast Guard teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, and by 6:00 p.m., all four mariners had been pulled from the water. Tragically, two of the mariners were unresponsive at the time of the rescue. All four individuals were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.

This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers that commercial fishermen and recreational mariners face while navigating Oregon’s rugged coastline.

With offices in Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, WA, BOATLAW, LLP has represented commercial fishermen for over forty years.  Our admiralty lawyers understand the unique risks faced by those at sea and are committed to fighting for the rights of mariners who have suffered injuries or other losses.

Source: Fishing boat capsizes along Oregon Coast with four people on board