The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(SEATTLE) — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Sector Columbia River, in Astoria, Ore., has closed the Columbia River, Yaquina Bay, Ore., Siuslaw River, Ore., Umpqua River, Ore., Depoe Bay, Ore., Tillamook Bay, Ore., and Grays Harbor, Wash., bar entrances due to hazardous conditions, Tuesday.
The bar closures are for all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to re-opening must be approved by the Captain of the Port, Sector Columbia River. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 for further information or to request crossing.
The Coast Guard will be re-evaluating the bar closures on an ongoing basis and expect to re-open these waterways as soon as the offshore weather improves.
The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to reopen these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.
