DEPOE BAY, Ore. – The U.S. Coast Guard announced Friday evening that Buoy No. 2, a red navigation marker that helps boaters line up with the channel entrance, broke free from its mooring and drifted into shallow, rocky water near the shoreline.
Safety broadcast issued
Petty Officer 1st Class Lara Davis, a public affairs specialist with the Coast Guard Northwest District, said sea conditions and operational limitations have prevented crews from safely reaching the buoy at this time. To protect mariners, the Coast Guard issued an immediate safety broadcast warning of the hazard.
Area restrictions remain
Depoe Bay does not handle deep‑draft shipping traffic, so large vessels are not at risk. However, the Coast Guard has kept the immediate area effectively closed to recreational boats and uninspected passenger vessels. Only fishing boats and inspected charter vessels may operate in the zone, according to Davis.
Replacement plans
At first light Saturday, the agency issued a regular broadcast notice to mariners. That notice will run for a week before the information is added to the Coast Guard’s Light List, where it will stay until the notice is formally canceled.
The buoy serves as a midpoint marker between an entrance buoy located about 2½ miles offshore and two lighted dayboards that mark the channel entrance. Those other navigation aids remain in place and continue to function.
Future actions
A buoy tender may be dispatched to the area to re‑moor Buoy No. 2, but a specific date has not yet been set. Personnel at Coast Guard Station Depoe Bay are monitoring the situation and coordinating with tender crews to reposition the buoy when conditions allow.
Boaters planning to enter Depoe Bay’s channel are urged to stay informed through the Coast Guard’s broadcast notices and to exercise caution until the buoy is secured. The Coast Guard’s proactive communication reflects its commitment to maritime safety and to keeping local waters navigable for legitimate commercial and fishing activities.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
