Coast Guard Suspends Search for Two Missing Individuals After Vessel Capsizes Near Gold Beach

The U.S. Coast Guard has ended its search for two individuals who were reported missing after a motorized catamaran capsized on Sunday night near Gold Beach, Oregon.

A third individual present on the catamaran was rescued and taken to Gold Beach for medical assessment by local emergency services. Reports indicated that all three people were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.

At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, personnel at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River were notified by Curry County 911 of an overturned 26-foot catamaran located approximately four miles off the coast of Gold Beach.

Crews from Station Chetco River, including a 47-foot lifeboat, a 29-foot response boat, and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, joined Gold Beach Water Safety’s jet ski team to search for the missing men. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay also assisted, arriving around 4:00 a.m.

An MH-65 helicopter from Air Station North Bend conducted a first light search on Monday morning; however, the missing men were not located.

Crews conducted searches across more than 130 track-line miles and covered in excess of 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”

At the time of the search, weather conditions included winds of 18 to 20 knots, waves measuring 4 to 6 feet, an air temperature of 57 degrees, and a water temperature of 55 degrees.