Boat in distress now presumed a hoax

Published 11:45 am Thursday, February 26, 2026

By Jeff Clemens/For the Observer

1/2

A searchlight shines down from a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter on Feb. 25 at the mouth of Willapa Bay in connection with what is now believed to have been a false alarm about a vessel in distress. (Jeff Clemens)

TOKELAND — After hours of searching Willapa Bay and nearby ocean waters, the U.S. Coast Guard called off a search for a reported vessel in distress off Tokeland on Feb. 25. The search began around 8 p.m.

According to officials, it is now believed the incident was a hoax. It put a significant strain on resources and cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The U.S.C.G. launched an MH-60 helicopter from Air Station Astoria, a 47-foot motor lifeboat from Station Westport and towed down from Westport a 26-foot rescue boat and launched it from the Tokeland Marina.

According to an official from the Port of Willapa Harbor who was on scene, the vessel reported three different latitude and longitude locations including one that was actually on land. The reporting party also stated there were “zero persons on board.”

Shoalwater Bay Police Department (SWBPD) Officer Shane Frank drove to and walked down to one of the locations. He radioed that if a vessel was in distress at the location, occupants would have been able to walk to safety.

The Pacific County 911 Communications Center (PacCom) also later received a report of “something suspicious” near the North River boat launch on State Route 105. The U.S.C.G. helo flew over the area and did not locate anything.

The cost to operate the helo per hour, just in fuel, can top over $6,500. Operating a motor lifeboat, counting manpower and fuel, can top $1,200.

The search involved the U.S.C.G., SWBPD, Pacific County Sheriff’s Office, the Willapa Harbor port and Grays Harbor County’s South Beach Regional Fire Authority.