Coast Guard calls off search for sailing vessel Kiwanda Captain

September 30, 2019

Coast Guard officials are calling off the search for a man aboard the overdue sailing vessel Kiwanda, after finding floating debris Sunday near Whale Cove near Depoe Bay.

Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector North Bend received a report at 11:42 a.m. Sunday from a source on land who sighted vessel debris in the vicinity of Whale Cove, approximately one-mile south of Depoe Bay.

The Coast Guard coordinated eight combined searches totaling 11 hours near Whale Cove, deploying an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and 47 foot Motor Lifeboat. Rescuers used a drone to confirm the identity of the Kiwanda.

The Kiwanda was last sighted by a bar tower watchstander at Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay at approximately 7 p.m. Saturday in the vicinity of Cape Foulweather, with a northerly heading.

Coast Guard crew members recovered several items from the area including: wood, a life jacket, part of a marine sanitation device and a strobe light with the name of the vessel on it.

SourceU.S. Coast Guard

Justin Werner https://wernerhost.com/

Justin Werner is the founder and editor of the Lincoln City Homepage, a trusted source of local news and information for residents and visitors of Lincoln City, Oregon. He is also a community leader, entrepreneur, and dedicated advocate for transparency and accountability in local government.