Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District

Date: November 30, 2007
Contact: USCG Public Affairs
206-220-7237 

COAST GUARD ANTICIPATES RIVER BAR CLOSURES THROUGHOUT OREGON AND WASHINGTON

SEATTLE - The Coast Guard anticipates closing multiple river bars throughout Oregon and Washington beginning as early as Sunday due to the potential for extreme winds and heavy seas that are expected through the region over the following few days. Should extreme weather require closure of all or a portion of the bars, the Coast Guard will issue a broadcast notice to mariners with regulation advisories.

The following bars will be closed until further notice by order of the Captain of the Port, Sector Portland:
GRAYS HARBOR, WILLAPA BAY, COLUMBIA RIVER, NEHALEM RIVER, TILLAMOOK BAY, NETARTS BAY, SILETZ BAY, DEPOE BAY, YAQUINA BAY, SIUSLAW RIVER, UMPQUA RIVER, COOS BAY, COQUILLE RIVER, ROGUE RIVER and CHETCO RIVER

Mariners may request to transit through these waters by contacting the Coast Guard on Channel VHF-16.  For additional information on river bar status or to report an emergency, please contact the closest Coast Guard unit.

The Coast Guard will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.

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Coast Guard, protecting lives since 1790.