Grounded fishing vessel at the entrance to the Skipanon River

The Coast Guard responded Monday to a vessel that ran aground near the entrance to the Skipanon River in Warrenton, Oregon.

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received a report at approximately 11:30 p.m., Sunday, stating the 45-foot fishing vessel Michelle D had allided with pilings on the east side of the Skipanon River and run aground.

Sector Columbia River launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, Wash., to the scene. Also arriving on scene were local fire and EMS crews. Rescue crews arrived to discover the Michelle D aground in soft mud and the crew in no immediate danger.

All three crewmembers were able to safely make it to shore on foot during low tide at approximately 5:45 a.m.

The Coast Guard is currently working with the vessel’s owner and will monitor an attempt to refloat the vessel, taking into consideration Monday evening’s eight-foot high tide at approximately 11 p.m.

The vessel is reported to contain approximately 400 gallons of diesel but poses no immediate pollution threat due to the soft bottom where it rests.

The official cause of the vessel allision and consequent grounding is unclear, though the crew reported trouble with the vessel’s steering components.