ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) — Authorities say four fishermen are missing after Coast Guard helicopters spotted a debris field and an oil sheen several miles off the Washington coast.
The Guard says the emergency beacon from an Oregon-based fishing boat led rescuers to the debris field early Saturday.
Coast Guard Petty Officer Shawn Eggert says the ship’s owner told them four people were aboard the 62-foot fishing vessel. Helicopter crews spotted a damaged lifeboat but no sign of the four people.
The debris field is about 17 miles west of Leadbetter Point near Willapa Bay. Crews were searching the water near Seaview, Wash.
The boat’s home port is in Warrenton, Ore.
