State Police Investigating Charter Vessel Operators Death

Vessel was 11 miles west of Alsea Bay at Waldport Photo Courtesy: nwhighways.amhosting.net

(WALDPORT) - Oregon State Police are investigating the death of a Charter Vessel operator southwest of Newport.

OSP Stg. Todd Thompson said on Saturday the Charter Vessel Three Bears was on a Halibut fishing trip 11-miles west of Waldport.

The operator, 52-year-old James Edson, was attempting to land a large Halibut when he fell overboard.

Rescue attempts by the passengers were unsuccessful.

A USCG 47 ft Motor Life boat arrived on scene about 15 minutes after Edson fell into the water.

A USCG Helicopter transported Edson to Pacific Communities Hospital where Edson was pronounced dead Thompson said.