Coast Guard searches for capsized boat near Grays Harbor after debris found

WESTPORT, Wash. (AP) — The Coast Guard is searching the area north of the North Jetty of Grays Harbor after receiving a report that a 20-foot Boston Whaler capsized 30 yards offshore in the surf.

They received the initial report at about 7 p.m. Thursday from a person walking on the beach.

The person reported that debris was washing ashore from the boat but crews found no sightings of anyone in distress.

Petty Officer 1st Class Starr Franklin says they're asking for the public's help in identifying the owners of the Boston Whaler.

"If there is anyone that has information regarding the owners of a Boston Whaler or of persons that were expected to be operating in the area, please contact the Coast Guard at 503-861-6211," said Petty Officer 1st Class Starr Franklin, command center watchstander at Sector Columbia River. "We treat every report of a possible person in the water seriously because in this environment every minute counts."

At the time of the report, the search area had 6-foot seas with a 2-foot swell.