50-Foot Vessel Runs Aground in Newport, Oregon

Coast Guard responds to fishing vessel grounding near Newport, Oregon.

Photos courtesy: Oregon State Police

(NEWPORT, Ore.) - Coast Guard crews have responded to the grounding of the 50-foot fishing vessel Lori Ann, formerly the Little Linda, on Nye Beach near Newport, Oregon, Tuesday.

The Lori Ann had a crew of two people and was carrying approximately 1,800 gallons of diesel fuel when it ran onto a soft sand beach at approximately 2:00 a.m.

A Coast Guard search and rescue team from Station Yaquina Bay responded and ensured that the two crew members were brought safely onshore. There were no reports of injury.

Coast Guard pollution response and vessel inspection personnel, in partnership with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), are heading to the scene to assess vessel condition and monitor any potential pollution threat.

A clean-up contractor, arranged by the owner of the Lori Ann is currently removing the diesel fuel from the vessel and will be making plans to remove the vessel from Nye Beach. The cause of this accident is under investigation.

An attempt will be made later this afternoon to re-float the Lori Ann during an anticipated high tide.

There have been reports of a small amount of diesel fuel that may have been released into the water by the vessel, but the vessel hull structure appears to be intact and no oil is visible at this time.

The Coast Guard and State DEQ will monitor the scene to control any marine environmental damage.