ASTORIA, Ore. — The Coast Guard towed a 90-foot fishing vessel to Astoria, Saturday, after an engine casualty rendered the vessel powerless Friday afternoon.
A Coast Guard 47-foot motor lifeboat crew helps propel the 180-ton, 90-foot fishing vessel Predator across the Columbia River bar, west of Astoria, Ore., Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012. The vessel lost power approximately 20 miles west of the river’s entrance, Friday. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Nicholas Palisano
Sector Columbia River launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Cape Disappointment. The crew arrived on scene and took the vessel in tow.
An additional 47-foot motor lifeboat crew met the first crew at the Columbia River entrance to help with the tow due to the strong ebb current.
Both 47-foot motor lifeboat crews successfully completed the 21-hour tow of the Predator to Pier 1 in Astoria where it safely moored at approximately 10:30 a.m., to await inspections.
A special Coast Guard waiver was required to permit the tow of the vessel as it exceeded the recommended weight limit for a 47-foot motor lifeboat.