COOS BAY, Ore. — The U.S. Coast Guard rescued three people from the ocean Monday morning after their 17-foot fishing boat sunk near Cape Arago, about 15 miles southwest of Coos Bay, on the Oregon coast, the Coast Guard reported.
The first report came in around 8 a.m. Monday that the boat was taking on water. A 47-foot motor lifeboat left the Coast Guard station in Coos Bay and arrived at the scene within 10 minutes. A rescue helicopter launched at the same time from the air station in North Bend and arrived shortly after.
When the Coast Guard arrived, they rescued three people from the water. All three were wearing life jackets. They showed signs of hypothermia and were transferred to emergency medical services.
On Facebook, U.S. Coast Guard Station Coos Bay wrote the fishermen had been in 50 degree water for 33 minutes.
The Coast Guard tried to recover the fishing boat but by that time it was fully submerged in the ocean. The Coast Guard said there was no visible threat of pollution from the sunken boat.
"We are thankful that these individuals are alive and wearing life jackets," the Coast Guard tweeted. "Please remember to be safe today and we wish a speedy recovery for the three."
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