Coast Guard Responds to Pollution Near Grounded Vessel

Newport, OR - The Coast Guard Sector Columbia River pollution response team is currently on scene monitoring the grounded commercial fishing vessel, Chevelle, on the north jetty at the Yaquina Bay river mouth, near Newport, Ore., Sunday.

The vessel allided with the jetty on Saturday, leaving it hard aground on the rocks and stranding four crewmembers. The crewmembers were rescued by an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Facility Newport.

The vessel has approximately 3,000-4,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board with a light sheen beginning to leak from the vessel but dissipating due to weather and seas in the area.

Pre-established geographic response plans have been enacted with the aim to protect sensitive areas within Yaquina Bay.

Salvage operations are slated to occur as soon as the heavy weather subsides.

The Coast Guard pollution response team is working closely with the responsible party, contractors, and Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay, located in Newport, to mitigate the potential affect on the environment should the vessel break up causing the diesel to be released.