U.S. Coast Guard to Hold Public Hearing on Loss of Mary B II at Yaquina Bay Bar

A Coast Guard response boat approaching a wave at the Yaquina Bay Bar in Newport, Oregon. File Photo: U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard will hold a formal public hearing next month to consider evidence related to the loss of the commercial fishing vessel Mary B II at Oregon’s Yaquina Bay Bar resulting in the deaths of three fishermen.

The 5-day hearing will take place starting May 13 in Newport, Oregon.

The three fishermen were aboard the 42-foot fishing vessel when it capsized suddenly while attempting to cross the Yaquina Bay Bar inbound during heavy weather, with waves reported at 14 to 16 feet with occasional waves of 20 feet. The bar is located the entrance of Yaquina Bay in Newport.

The Mary B II had been crabbing for three days before attempting to return to port with their catch when the accident occurred.

The hull of the vessel was located about 100 yards offshore. All three fishermen were subsequently recovered. 

By the end of January, the Coast Guard had announced a formal investigation into the tragedy. 

The hearing is scheduled to convene at the Newport City Hall at 8 a.m. on May 13 and will continue to May 17, 2019. The hearing will be open to public and the media, and will also be streamed live at https://livestream.com/accounts/17374493/events/8625145.

The Coast Guard has also established an e-mail address for the public and interested parties to provide information, ask questions and make comments related to the ongoing investigation and scheduled hearing. The e-mail is [email protected].

Additional information about the hearing, including the schedule of witnesses, fact sheets and biographies, as well as any future news releases and documentation, can be found at https://www.news.uscg.mil/news-by-region/13th-district-pacific-northwest/mary-b-ii-formal-hearing/.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up