10 fishing vessels already rescued as Dungeness crab season kicks off

Name: Coast Guard rescues fishing vessel in distress
Uploaded: 2021-12-08T19:55:37-05:00
Duration: 44 s
Description: A Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment crew responds to a disabled commercial fishing vessel approximately one mile off Seaside, OR, Saturday, Dec. 4.

Coast Guard rescues fishing vessel in distress

A Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment crew responds to a disabled commercial fishing vessel approximately one mile off Seaside, OR, Saturday, Dec. 4. (U.S. Coast Guard Video)

SEATTLE -- It's been a very busy start to the Dungeness crab season - for both fishing crews and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Stormy weather has persisted across the Pacific Northwest as the season kicked off on Dec. 1, forcing several fishing vessels into trouble as they navigate hazardous bar conditions.

Already, the U.S. Coast Guard has towed 10 commercial fishing vessels that had either become disabled or distressed up and down the Washington and Oregon coast. Other vessels have required escorts across the bars.

A Station Grays Harbor coxswain aboard a 47-foot motor lifeboat adjusts throttles while alongside a disabled commercial fishing vessel off Copalis Head, WA, Friday, Dec. 3. The vessel requested Coast Guard assistance transiting to safe harbor after becoming disabled with approximately 100,000 pounds of crab. (U.S. Coast Guard / Station Grays Harbor)

A Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment crew member stands watch during the tow of a commercial fishing vessel one mile off Seaside, OR, Saturday, Dec. 4. The fishing vessel required assistance returning to port after suffering a mechanical casualty, losing the ability to steer independently. (U.S. Coast Guard / Station Cape Disappointment)

A Coast Guard Station Chetco River coxswain aboard a 47-foot motor lifeboat evaluates the scene while responding to a disabled commercial fishing vessel Friday, Dec. 3, near Crescent City, CA. The crew aboard the fishing vessel requested Coast Guard assistance and a safety escort to port after experiencing a mechanical casualty. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Chetco River) (U.S. Coast Guard / Station Chetco River)

So far, the Coast Guard has helped transport more than 100,000 pounds of crab through the rough bar conditions.

"Coast Guard rescue personnel continue to put in long hours working in hazardous conditions to ensure the safety of the commercial fishing fleet," Lt. Carl Eschler, chief investigations officer at Marine Safety Unit - Portland, said in a press release.

When hazardous conditions warrant bar restrictions, passenger and recreational vessels under a certain length are prohibited from crossing. Commercial vessels may still cross a restricted bar, provided they follow strict safety guidelines and maintain contact with the Coast Guard.

"Although commercial fishing vessels are not prohibited from crossing a restricted bar, it should be noted that Coast Guard personnel stationed along the coast have used their professional maritime experience and knowledge of local environmental conditions to place restrictions on the bar by determining that unsafe conditions exist," Eschler said.