Two Fishing Vessels Collide Off Oregon / Washington Coast, One Sinks

Published 07/23/26 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Astoria, Oregon) – Two fishing vessels collided off the Oregon coast / Washington coast's border Tuesday, resulting in one sinking and an ongoing investigation. (Photos USCG)

The US Coast Guard (USCG) office in Seattle said Coast Guard crews from Grays Harbor and Astoria responded Tuesday to a collision between two commercial fishing vessels about 22 miles off Grays Harbor.

Sector Columbia River watchstanders received a report around 6:40 a.m. that the Tabitha, a 62-foot fishing vessel, and the Nora J, a 35-foot wooden vessel, had struck one another offshore. The Coast Guard issued an urgent marine broadcast and dispatched a 47-foot motor lifeboat from Station Grays Harbor along with an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Astoria.

Crews arrived to find the Nora J was found heavily damaged. You can see by the photo that chunks were taken off the front. The USCG said the Nora J wasl also taking on water, while the Tabitha reported no significant damage and no injuries.

The lifeboat crew reached the scene at 8:25 a.m. and rescued all three people from the Nora J, transporting them safely back to Station Grays Harbor. The Tabitha remained nearby to assist.

“Despite dewatering efforts, the F/V Nora J sank in approximately 300 feet of water,” the USCG said. “No pollution was reported, and the incident remains under investigation.

“We are grateful to the Station Grays Harbor crew who swiftly arrived on scene and helped prevent any of the mariners from entering the water,” said Lt. Patrick Norton, command duty officer, Coast Guard Columbia River Command Center. “The Coast Guard is proud to support the men and women whose livelihood depends on the waters of the Pacific Northwest.”

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Weather at the time included 3-foot seas, light winds around 7 mph, and a sea temperature of 58 degrees. The incident remains under investigation.

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