Coast Guard Rescues Two After Vessel Capsized

According to Chief Warrant Officer Jason McCommons of the Coast Guard, they received a distress call at approximately 9:30 a.m., on Sunday December 14th reporting water ingress and an imminent risk of capsizing from the fishing vessel Vallor III, with two men onboard. Within ten minutes, two motor lifeboats were underway, arriving to find the vessel overturned and its occupants already in survival suits and a life raft. Another vessel that was close by the Rylayla also responded to help.

“Our rapid response combined with the crew’s preparedness made all the difference,” said McCommons. “Both individuals had donned their survival equipment and were recovered quickly and treated for hypothermia before being returned safely to shore.” The significance of accessible and functional safety gear was underscored repeatedly. “All commercial vessels are required to have survival equipment ready and to conduct regular drills,” McCommons explained. “Having your equipment where you can grab it, knowing how it works, and practicing its use can be the key to surviving sudden emergencies at sea.”

The Coast Guard further reported that while the vessel had approximately 200 gallons of diesel on board, immediate recovery efforts were focused on rescuing the hypothermic survivors. Subsequent checks indicated any environmental impact was minimal.

This incident serves as a powerful reminder that preparation, equipment readiness, and adherence to safety protocols are life-saving factors. The Coast Guard encourages mariners to review their gear and contact protocols, with Channel 16 always monitored for emergencies.

The Newport Fishermen's Wives reported that one of the survival suits was furnished by them during one of their 2025 safety event projects, coordinated with OSU Sea Grant program. The goal is to provide fishermen with the most updated and safe survival equipment for times like this. Mary Davis, the daughter of one of the crew members, has started a go fund me to help, as her father, who was living on the boat, has lost everything. For details and more information you can go to the Newport Fishermen's Wives website. This incident occurred during the crab season pre-soak and shows the vital role that the US Coast Guard plays in keeping our mariners safe.