NEWPORT, Ore. – A routine whale-watching excursion turned into a moment of maritime concern on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, when the 62-foot vessel Discovery experienced a critical mechanical failure, leaving 49 passengers and crew stranded near the hazardous Yaquina Bay bar. The U.S. Coast Guard responded with remarkable speed, averting a potential crisis and ensuring the safety of everyone aboard.
Mayday Call Signals Urgent Need for Rescue
The incident unfolded around 12:45 p.m. as the Discovery, a popular tour boat operating out of Newport, began producing excessive smoke and lost all propulsion. The captain immediately issued a ‘mayday’ call, alerting the U.S. Coast Guard to their perilous situation. The vessel was caught in a precarious position between the Yaquina Bay jetties, where the confluence of river currents and ocean swells creates a dangerous navigational hazard known as a coastal bar.
Coast Guard Response: Minutes Matter
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River acted swiftly upon receiving the distress signal. Two boat crews from Station Yaquina Bay were dispatched aboard 47-foot Motor Life Boats and arrived on the scene in an impressive eight minutes. Their rapid deployment was crucial given the vessel’s location and the potential for currents to push it further towards the jetties.
Tow to Safety
Upon reaching the disabled whale-watching vessel, the Coast Guard rescue crews assessed the situation. As the Discovery was not in immediate danger of sinking or catching fire, an evacuation was deemed unnecessary. Instead, the Coast Guard crews expertly secured the vessel in a side tow. They then guided the Discovery eastward, escorting it safely back to the pier.
Safe Return and Emergency Standby
By 1:30 p.m., the Discovery was safely moored at the dock. The Newport Fire Department and Pacific West Ambulance were already on standby, ready to provide assistance. All 49 passengers and crew members disembarked without incident, allowing firefighters to thoroughly assess the vessel. Authorities confirmed that there were no medical concerns reported among the passengers or crew, and no fire was found aboard the boat. By 2:00 p.m., all responding emergency crews had been released, their mission successfully concluded.
Praise for Preparedness and Interagency Cooperation
Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan Kapsar of Station Yaquina Bay lauded the coordinated effort. “Our crews at Station Yaquina Bay had a great response to this call,” Kapsar stated. “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 successful rescue underscores the critical role of the U.S. Coast Guard in ensuring safety on the water, particularly in the challenging coastal conditions off the Oregon coast. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in marine leisure activities and the vital importance of swift, professional emergency response. The news of this successful rescue offers a positive note in maritime news, highlighting the dedication of rescue personnel and the resilience of those involved in the life-saving operation.
