The U.S. Coast Guard has officially suspended its search for the missing captain of a commercial fishing vessel that capsized off the coast of Westport, Washington, on May 9, 2025. The 68-foot vessel sank in challenging conditions, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation involving both air and sea units. While three crew members were successfully rescued shortly after the incident, the 44-year-old captain tragically did not survive. His body was later located in nearby waters, though recovery efforts have been delayed due to poor environmental conditions.
The vessel, whose name has not been released publicly, remains submerged approximately 40 feet beneath the surface. Coast Guard teams, supported by environmental response units, have been working in coordination with the Washington Department of Ecology to evaluate and manage potential environmental hazards posed by the wreckage. Concerns include fuel leakage and other pollutants that may pose risks to the marine ecosystem surrounding the area of the sinking.
Captain Justin Noggle, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, expressed condolences on behalf of the service. He acknowledged the deep emotional toll the incident has taken on Washington’s tight-knit fishing communities, stating, “This is a tragedy for our fishing communities. I’m thankful our Coast Guard crews were able to save the three crewmembers quickly, and our hearts are with the family and friends of everyone impacted by this tremendous loss.”
A Seattle-based marine salvage company is currently developing a recovery and cleanup strategy to safely manage the wreck site. Given the depth and potential hazards involved, the salvage operation will be conducted with careful adherence to safety and environmental protection protocols. The Coast Guard and partner agencies are also conducting a review to determine the cause of the vessel’s capsizing.
The fishing industry is a vital economic and cultural pillar of coastal Washington, and this incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those who work at sea. The Coast Guard continues to emphasize the importance of maritime safety training, proper equipment maintenance, and emergency preparedness for all commercial vessels operating in the region.
This case remains under investigation as officials gather more information about the circumstances leading up to the vessel’s capsizing. Updates will be released as new findings emerge. For now, the focus remains on supporting the affected families, recovering the vessel responsibly, and ensuring the safety of other mariners in the area.
