Coast Guard rescues swamped boaters near Clatskanie, Oregon

A Coast Guard MSU Pittsburgh 25-foot response boatASTORIA, Ore. – The Coast Guard rescued two people stranded on small island on the Columbia River, approximately one mile north of Clatskanie, Ore., Monday evening.

At approximately 5:30 p.m., the tug Liberty contacted Coast Guard Sector Columbia River reporting flashing distress lights coming from the island at mile-marker 51.

A crew from Coast Guard Station Portland, Ore., launched a 25-foot response boat at Willow Grove in Longview, Wash., and arrived at the island at approximately 8:00 p.m.

The crew found two persons stranded on the island who indicated their skiff had become swamped.

Both persons were transported to shore where they were evaluated by local EMS. One was released and the other is being treated for minor injuries.

Having a visual distress signal is one of many ways to alert nearby mariners that you are in distress and is a key requirement to being a safe boater. As the spring approaches and the weather begins to get warmer, more boaters will begin to recreate in the Pacific Northwest waters. The Coast Guard reminds all boaters to prepare for a safe season by adhering to the boating safety messages at http://www.uscgboating.org/ or contacting your local Coast Guard Auxiliary for safe boating courses.


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