Coast Guard announces seasonal opening of Rogue River and Coquille River SAR Detachments

The Coast Guard Rogue River Search and Rescue Detachment, in Gold Beach, Ore. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Levi Read

WARRENTON, Ore. — The Coast Guard is scheduled to open its two southern Oregon seasonal search and rescue detachments, in Bandon along the Coquille River and Gold Beach along the Rogue River, May 27.

The Coast Guard Coquille River SAR Detachment is operated by personnel and assets from Coast Guard Station Coos Bay in Charleston, and the Rogue River detachment is operated by personnel from Coast Guard Station Chetco River in Brookings.

“The summer is always a busy season for us due to the influx of vessels within our area of responsibility,” said Petty Officer 1^st Class Brian Cawvey, operations officer at Station Chetco River. “It makes strategic sense to forward locate assets and personnel in another section of the area to put us in the best situation to save lives and property.”

The detachments normally operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but may vary depending on river bar conditions, weather and fishery openings.

The Coast Guard Rogue River SAR Detachment will operate a 47-foot Motor Life Boat and a 25- foot Response Boat – Small. The Coquille River Detachment will operate a 47-foot MLB.

“We have already temporarily opened the Coquille River detachment a few times this year for the halibut openings and look forward to continuing our mission for the summer months along the river,” said Petty Officer 1^st Class Ryan Clendenen, operations officer at Station Coos Bay.

The Coast Guard would also like to remind all boaters to pay close attention to bar conditions at the Rogue River and Coquille River bars as the weather can change rapidly causing conditions to deteriorate. A rough bar warning sign is posted at the Rogue River detachment and on the south side of the Coquille River attached to the old Coast Guard station to notify boaters of any rough bar conditions.

Boaters are reminded to wear lifejackets while operating their boats and to ensure all distress signaling equipment is current and working properly. It is also recommended to file a float plan with a third party. All vessels should also carry an anchor with enough line attached to anchor their boat.