SOUTH BEND - Last Monday (August 25) at approximately 6:10 pm, the Pacific County Sheriff's Office received a request for assistance from the operator of a commercial gillnetting vessel that had experienced engine failure. The vessel was forced to anchor in Willapa Bay near Bay Center. Deputies responded from the South Bend area in the Sheriff's Office patrol and search and rescue vessel to assist.
Deputies successfully provided safe passage and tow for the vessel and the operator back to the South Bend boat launch.
"I am very pleased with the quick response that our office was able to provide in this situation," said Pacific County sheriff Scott Johnson. "e have been working very hard to increase our services to the public. Our marine services division is one example of a service that didn't exist in years past. We recognize that our public's safety is equally important on or within our waterways.
"We are grateful for the positive support that we have received from the Board of County Commissioners, helping to aid us with jumpstarting the marine program,"Sheriff Johnson added.