WARRENTON, Ore. — The Coast Guard hosted a memorial service Sunday at Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, Washington, in tribute to Coast Guardsmen and mariners who lost their lives during four separate tragic accidents on the Columbia River and Quillayute River bars.
Approximately 150 family, friends, former and current Coast Guardsmen and fellow mariners participated or attended the short ceremony, which consisted of remarks from former shipmates of those who were lost, land and sea wreath ceremonies and a bell ringing after each name was read.
"Memorials such as this provide an important link to the past," said Capt. Daniel Travers, commander Sector Columbia River. "Through these memorials, we are reminded not only of the bravery and courage of those who have come before us, but also of the risks and dangers of our profession."
The tribute recognized:
- The seven lives, five Coast Guardsmen and two mariners, lost 55 years ago, Jan. 12, 1961, attempted rescue of two crewmembers aboard the 38-foot fishing vessel Mermaid by the crew of the 52-foot Motor Life Boat Triumph near the Columbia River Bar.
- The three lives, all Coast Guardsmen, lost of 10 aboard Coast Guard 41-foot Utility Boat 41332, Nov. 15, 1977, during night navigation training near the Columbia River Bar.
- The three lives, one Coast Guardsman and two mariners, lost, Jan. 11, 1991, during rescue operations, of the 75-foot fishing vessel Sea King in, which two Sea King crewmembers were rescued near the the Columbia River Bar.
- The three lives, all Coast Guardsmen, lost during the Feb. 12, 1997, rescue operations of two crewmembers aboard the 31-foot sailing vessel Gale Runner near the Quillayute River Bar.
Personnel at Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment host this memorial service annually at the beginning of the new year in honor of Coast Guardsmen who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
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