U.S. Coast Guard station Coos Bay received a call Friday evening, September 9th, regarding a commercial fishing vessel disabled approximately 160 miles west of the Coos Bay Bar.
The 418 ft. National Security Cutter Stratton was patrolling in close proximity and diverted to assist the completely disabled vessel.
The 62’ commercial fishing vessel Lodestar reported that they had lost propulsion with two mariners aboard and were experiencing 8-12′ seas and 40+ knot winds.
The Stratton arrived on scene and passed a line to the fishing vessel and commenced a tow at approximately 2:00pm Saturday afternoon and after a 20 hour tow, the Lodestar was within the limitations of the 47′ Motor Lifeboat from U.S. Coast Guard station Coos Bay.
After responding at 7:30am, Sunday morning, the Coos Bay Motor Lifeboat crew met with the Stratton at a location approximately 40 miles west of the bar. Once on scene the Stratton dropped their tow and the Lodestar was transferred to the Coos Bay Motor Lifeboat and placed in a 750’ stern tow.
The U.S. Coast Guard Coos Bay Motor Lifeboat crew then transited a total of 10 hours with the 62’ commercial fishing vessel in tow before the vessel was placed into a side tow and safely moored in the Charleston Marina Sunday morning September 11th.
