NEWPORT, ORE. - The relocation of a crucial Coast Guard helicopter is raising concerns for the safety of Lincoln County's fishermen. The helicopter, now stationed in North Bend, is now a 30-minute flight away from Newport, creating potential delays in rescue operations.

The urgency of these operations is underscored by Newport's status as the busiest crab port on the West Coast.

"We are the busiest crab port on the west coast, and our port is a cold water port. So you don't have a lot of time to survive in the water. So when boats go down, we have a rough bar, rough seas, so when boats go down it's a limited survival rate," said a Taunette Dixon of The Newport Fishermen's Wives.

The Coast Guard assures that the move will not affect their range, maintaining that search and rescue mission

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