Marine Dense Fog — Cascade Head To Florence...10 To 60 Nm, E Pacific

2022-03-26 · Cascade Head To Florence...10 To 60 Nm, E Pacific

Event narrative

Coast Guard Sector North Bend received a mayday call at approximately 0000PDT Saturday (3/26/2022) from the Captain of the Ship, Morgan, of the White Swan III reporting that his vessel was sinking in the north end of the Heceta Banks fishing area. Morgan also reported that a female crew member was aboard the vessel. The 13th Coast Guard District Command Center received an emergency position indicating radio beacon alert from the White Swan III. Upon arrival at the scene of the EPIRB location, an MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Air Facility Newport spotted a debris field and a life raft. The aircrew had to return to base due to heavy fog and low visibility. Seas started out near 6 to 8 feet according to Buoy 46050 through the majority of Friday (3/25/2022). Winds at this time where also well below Small Craft criteria. Seas looked to fluctuate between 9 to 10 feet until 1100PDT Saturday. Winds also gusted at times around 21 to 22 kt through the same time period. Visibility during the previous day (3/25/2022) was down to 1 statue mile at the Florence airport K6S2 for part of the day.

Wider weather episode

A fishing vessel White Swan III based on South Beach, Oregon sank in the north end of Heceta Banks fishing area, about 35 miles west of Florence, Oregon. Coast Guard Sector North Bend dispatched a helicopter which found the vessel, but due to heavy fog had to return to base.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1015574. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.