Investigation Underway After 2 Fishing Vessels Collide Offshore Washington, Sinking 1

The U.S. Coast Guard said an investigation is underway after two commercial fishing vessels collided offshore Washington on Tuesday.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Columbia River Command Center were alerted at around 6:40 a.m. Tuesday to a collision between The Tabitha, a 62-foot commercial fishing vessel and the Nora J, a 35-foot wooden commercial fishing vessel, approximately 22 miles offshore Grays Harbor.

The Coast Guard issued an urgent marine information broadcast to vessels in the area and launched a lifeboat crew from Station Grays Harbor as well as an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria.

The Nora J sustained significant damage and began taking on water. The Tabitha, which was not significantly damaged, remained on scene to offer support.

The Coast Guard lifeboat arrived on scene at 8:25 a.m. and safely removed all three crew members from the Nora J. No injuries were reported.

Crews attempted dewatering the Nora J but were unsuccessful, and the vessel ultimately sank in 300 feet of water. No pollution was reported.

“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.”

The Coast Guard said the cause of the collision is under investigation.