Coast Guard officials are asking for the public’s help with their investigation into the capsizing of a fishing vessel that took the lives of three men near Newport earlier this year.

The 42-foot Mary B II sank in January while crossing the Yaquina Bay bar during a time when the seas turned rough Because of the dangerous conditions, the Coast Guard began escorting fishing vessels into port. The Coast Guard began escorting the Mary B II to the tips of the jetty, but the boat did not come starboard in time and was swamped.

Officials will hold a public hearing into the case in Newport at date to be announced in the next couple months.

In the meantime, people who have information or questions are asked to email the Coast Guard at AccidentInfo@uscg.mil. Officials request that the subject line read: F/V MARY B II.

After the hearing, investigators will issue a report that will include the collected evidence, established facts, causal analysis and conclusions, and possible safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents.

-Tom Hallman Jr.

thallman@oregonian.com; 503 221-8224

@thallmanjr