U.S. Coast Guard crews rescued five people off the Oregon Coast early Saturday morning, after their crab boat sank about eight miles west of Siletz Bay.  The 75-foot fishing boat Blazer sent out a mayday call after it began taking on water about 4:20 a.m. About 10 minutes later the crew reported that they were deploying their life raft and donning cold water immersion suits.

Coast Guard helicopters spotted the Blazer and the raft at about 5:00 a.m. All five crew members of the ship had made it into the life raft safely, with the crab boat listing heavily nearby. Three survivors were lifted into a Coast Guard helicopter and treated for minor injuries at the Newport Municipal Airport. The remaining two crew members were transferred to a Coast Guard Motor Life Boat.

The cause of the accident is under investigation. Weather at the time was windy, with rain and seas of 15 feet. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Blanchard said the Blazer crew’s preparedness was “exceptional.” They recognized when they needed assistance and took the necessary steps to make a rescue possible. With water temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit, and air temperatures of 40 degrees, Blanchard said that having the proper safety equipment and training to use it is essential for all commercial fishermen in the Pacific Northwest.

The fishing boat sank in 420 feet of water. There is reportedly 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board, although there are no reports of pollution at this time. Coast Guard officials will be working with the owner on possible salvage plans. Sector North Bend pollution responders are monitoring the area and are ready to respond if necessary.