US Coast Guard Rescues Oregon Coast Whale Watch Vessel Disabled in Newport Waters

Published 09/18/25 at 5:47 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) – US Coast Guard (USCG) crews on the central Oregon coast came to the rescue of some 49 passengers stuck aboard a whale watching vessel that had become disabled Wednesday. USCG said it had become disabled in the coastal bar at Newport just after noon.

“The captain of the 62-foot Discovery sent out a ‘mayday’ call to the Coast Guard after the vessel began producing excessive smoke and lost propulsion while in between the Yaquina Bay jetties at approximately 12:45 p.m.,” the USCG said.

Personnel from US Coast Guard Sector Columbia River immediately dispatched two rescue crews from Station Yaquina Bay aboard 47-foot Motor Life Boats. Responders arrived on scene within eight minutes of the distress signal.

Upon arrival, crews secured the Discovery in a side tow and guided it eastward back to the pier. The vessel was moored at 1:30 p.m., where Newport Fire Department and Pacific West Ambulance personnel were standing by. All passengers and crew safely disembarked to allow firefighters to inspect the vessel. No fire was found aboard, and no injuries were reported. Emergency crews stood down by 2 p.m.

“Our crews at Station Yaquina Bay had a great response to this call,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan Kapsar. “Our communications watchstander received the ‘mayday’ call, immediately activated the SAR alarm, and we were on scene in under 10 minutes. We launched two boats due to the number of passengers on board and the severity of the incident. We were able to quickly get the Discovery back to her moorage where we were met by our local fire and EMS counterparts. This rescue highlights the importance of our interagency relationships. Station members train for incidents such as this, and we’re glad that we were able to get everyone back safely.”

The incident occurred within the Yaquina Bay coastal bar, a known navigational hazard where river currents meet ocean swells. These conditions often create shallow, turbulent waters that can pose serious risks to vessels, particularly when caught broadside to waves.

The Coast Guard continues to emphasize the importance of preparedness and coordination in responding to maritime emergencies along Oregon’s dynamic coastline.

“Waves and strong currents can capsize a boat if it is not handled correctly,” USCG said.

It has been an exceptionally busy week for rescuers on the Oregon coast.

On Monday, a man drowned after apparently falling into Thor's Well near Yachats. US Coast Guard crews then spent over two hours trying to recover the body in broiling sea conditions. Man Drowns at Central Oregon Coast's Thor's Well, Near Yachats - The man fell into the infamously dangerous watery hole and died

On Tuesday – also on the north Oregon coast – rescuers had to look for a pair of missing swimmers in the surf at Seaside. One showed up on his own, unharmed. The girl had to be resuscitated on land and was taken to a nearby hospital. N. Oregon Coast Rescue: Girl Resuscitated on Seaside Beach, Hospitalized - Two young adults were briefly missing in the surf, 24 hrs after Yachats tragedy

Also on Wednesday: a backpack with a bomb inside was found at Sunset Beach Recreation Site on the north coast – between Gearhart and Astoria. Oregon State Police among others responded, including a team that disarmed the device. US Coast Guard Rescues Oregon Coast Whale Watch Vessel Disabled at Newport - The Discovery tour boat had 49 people aboard

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