HARBOR, Ore. – The Coast Guard is warning boaters that the waters near Sporthaven Beach have become hazardous due to recent shoaling and a newly formed sandbar.
The shoaling and sandbar have created a condition where breaking surf now exists in waters that are normally calm. The area, popular with recreational crabbers, is most dangerous at low tide when breakers may appear quickly and without warning.
Boaters should use extreme caution when transiting through the area off of Sporthaven beach between the south jetty tip and the Best Western hotel and approximately 700 yards off shore.
Mariners should also avoid departing from the marked channel (established by the range) when leaving or entering Chetco river.
The most dangerous area is immediately off the tip of the south jetty where shoaling is extremely prevalent. Wednesday, a 15-foot recreational vessel capsized near the south jetty throwing two men into the water. One man remains in the hospital with injuries sustained from the incident. Neither men were wearing lifejackets.
Jan 28, an 18-ft recreational vessel capsized 150 yards offshore in the vicinity of the Best Western Hotel. Both men, who were wearing life jackets, made it safely to shore unharmed.
Mariners are encouraged to check sea conditions before heading out by contacting the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16, by calling (541) 469-4571 for a bar report, or by tuning a radio to 1610 A.M.
For more questions contact Coast Guard Group North Bend at (541) 756-9669 or Coast Guard Station Chetco River at (541) 469-2242.
