US Coast Guard crews from two districts worked together to assist three mariners aboard the disabled 97-foot (29.6 metre) fishing vessel Defiant, which was adrift approximately 95 miles (152.9 kilometres) west of Newport, Oregon. The multi-day operation involved a coordinated response from multiple air and sea assets to bring the vessel safely to port.
The incident began on Sunday, August 4, when the crew of the Defiant reported that their vessel was disabled and in need of assistance. Watchstanders coordinated the launch of two aircrews, a C-27 Spartan from Air Station Sacramento and an MH-65 Dolphin from Air Station North Bend. The aircrews located the vessel and delivered fresh drinking water, a radio, and a dewatering pump that evening.
Due to the distance offshore, the Coast Guard Cutter Alder was directed to tow the Defiant toward shore. The cutter arrived on Tuesday, August 6, and towed the fishing vessel approximately 80 miles closer to land.
On Wednesday, August 7, about 15 miles from Newport, the tow was transferred to a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Yaquina Bay, which completed the final leg of the journey, bringing the Defiant safely into port.