U.S. Coast Guard Rescues Two Boaters Near Coquille River Jetty
The U.S. Coast Guard successfully rescued two people after their 14-foot recreational vessel began taking on water near the Coquille River South Jetty in Bandon, Oregon, highlighting the critical role of maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations, coastal emergency response, and interagency coordination in protecting lives along U.S. waterways.
The incident occurred on Monday when watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Columbia River command center received a 911 relay at 10:59 a.m. from North Coos 911 Dispatch, reporting that a small pleasure craft carrying two people was in distress near the South Jetty. In response, the Coast Guard immediately redirected an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station North Bend, which had been conducting a nearby training mission, while simultaneously deploying a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from Station Coos Bay to the scene.
Before the Coast Guard helicopter arrived, the Bandon Fire Department reached the location at 11:37 a.m., rescued both individuals from the flooding vessel, and safely positioned them on nearby rocks to facilitate an aerial evacuation. The MH-65 Dolphin arrived at 11:53 a.m., successfully hoisted both survivors from the rocks, and transported them to a nearby landing area where they were transferred to emergency medical services at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Christopher Brady, Command Duty Officer for Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, emphasized that the successful rescue demonstrated the strength of cooperation between the Coast Guard and local emergency agencies. He noted that coordinated efforts involving the Coast Guard, North Coos 911 Dispatch, and the Bandon Fire Department enabled a rapid response that ultimately saved two lives.
From a maritime safety perspective, the incident underscores the importance of rapid emergency communications, coastal rescue preparedness, and the availability of specialized assets such as Coast Guard helicopters and motor lifeboats for responding to small vessel emergencies near hazardous jetties and river entrances. Areas such as the Coquille River South Jetty can present challenging navigation conditions due to strong currents, breaking waves, and rocky shorelines, reinforcing the need for recreational boaters to continuously monitor weather and sea conditions, carry appropriate safety equipment, and maintain reliable communication devices before venturing offshore.
