The Coast Guard Rogue River Search and Rescue Detachment, in Gold Beach. 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 and in Gold Beach on Friday, May 26th.
The detachments normally operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but dates may vary depending on river bar conditions, weather and fishery openings.
Recent surveys of the Rogue River channel by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers indicated the water depth inside the bar may restrict the operation of Coast Guard vessels at the detachment. The Corps is scheduled to dredge inside the bar at the beginning of June, weather conditions permitting. Coast Guard vessel movements will be limited when tidal conditions are lower than a -1.0 tide or low river flows create exceptionally shallow water depths.
Coast Guard members will be conducting shore-side patrols focused on educating mariners about limited response during low tide conditions and the vigilance required to operate vessels on and around the Rogue River.
The projected depths of the Rogue River are subject to continual and pronounce change. Vessel operators are advised not to enter the river without local knowledge of this waterway. All mariners are advised to navigate cautiously to ensure the safety of their vessel and crew.
A local notice to mariners was published informing the maritime community about shoaling in this waterway. The notice to mariners can be found at www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/lnms/lnm13192017.pdf
To view the latest bottom surveys of the channel, visit the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers website at www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/surveys.aspx. Rogue River is listed under the Southern Oregon coast hydrosurveys.
The Coast Guard Coquille River Detachment in Bandon is operated by personnel and assets from Coast Guard Station Coos Bay in Charleston; and the Coast Guard Rogue River Detachment in Gold Beach is operated by personnel from Coast Guard Station Chetco River in Brookings.
The Coast Guard will have the ability to respond from Station Chetco River, the Search and Rescue Detachment in Bandon, and Air Station North Bend.
