Tillamook Bay bar is notorious

Captains,

It's good to see a proactive approach being taken with the fishing fleet in Oregon this year. Unfortunately the navigation condition at the Tillamook Bar continues to get worse. The key will be for government officials and the fishermen to find the proper balance between safety and fishing prosperity.

RADM W

Oregon's Tillamook Bay bar grows more deadly, claiming 17 lives in seven years

Published: Friday, November 05, 2010, 3:31 PM

The Tillamook Bay bar is notoriously deadly with at least 17 lives lost in the past seven years. Now, as the fishing fleet readies for the opening of crab season, the U.S. Coast Guard is warning that the bar is as dangerous as it's ever been and it's going to take significant effort to keep everyone safe.

The Coast Guard is hosting a meeting with the fishing fleet, the Port of Garibaldi and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Monday to discuss their concerns and let fishermen know what to expect in the coming season. The Tillamook Bay bar – the place at the tip of the jetties where the calm bay waters meet the sea – has been growing progressively worse for about 20 years.

Last month, the commercial fishing vessel the Double Eagle capsized by the south jetty.Luckily for the crew, the Coast Guard life boats were standing by on the bar and able to pluck the crew of two from the water.