U.S. Coast Guard assists stranded vessel in near-total darkness

On Tuesday evening, the U.S. Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet received a call from a 22’ foot vessel that was stuck outside of the Oregon Inlet bar.

Crews from Station Oregon Inlet went underway to assist the vessel, navigating through occasional 4-6 foot breaking waves at the time, as well as zero visibility.

“It was a particularly darker night than usual, having no moonlight to rely on, only our natural night vision,” stated the U.S. Coast Guard Station Oregon in a social media update. “Thus, our crewmembers made the decision to use several of our white parachute flares to light up the bar so that approaching waves, both ahead and off our stern, could be identified for the safety of eveyone.”

One of the station’s 47′ Motor Life Boats escorted the vessel, while the other was on the opposite side of the bar acting as a light beacon for the vessel to steer on.

“With a solid plan and proper timing, everyone made it safely across the bar,” stated U.S. Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet “Bravo zulu team on a successful mission!”