Coast Guard launches search for possible sunken vessel

Published 8:05 pm Wednesday, February 25, 2026

By Staff

An illustration shows the path of a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter search for a possible sunken vessel near the mouth of Willapa Bay Feb. 25.

NORTH COVE — The U.S. Coast Guard launched a helicopter at about 8:20 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, after a report of a possible sinking vessel in the vicinity of the mouth of Willapa Bay.

This illustration shows the search pattern shortly thereafter.

We will provide more information as it becomes available. It could turn out to be an erroneous distress call, but the Coast Guard takes all such reports seriously until proven otherwise.

The Pacific County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Patrol were requested to see if they could spot a vessel in distress or any signs on land.