Oregon town welcomes back rescue helicopter after lawsuit against Trump administration

A rescue helicopter has been reinstated in Newport, Oregon, following a lawsuit by local authorities over its previous relocation, which had delayed emergency response times.

Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) confirmed the helicopters return on Thursday, stating on social platform X: I just spoke with the U.S. Coast Guard. They have returned the rescue helicopter to Newport and will maintain it there. This ensures the safety of fishermen and the Newport community.

Last month, Lincoln County and the nonprofit Newport Fishermens Wives filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard after the helicopter was moved about 70 miles south to North Bend. Court documents highlighted concerns over the cold water temperatures, where drowning can occur within one to three minutes of immersion.

The plaintiffs argued that relocating the helicopter would significantly delay critical rescue operations, increasing response times from 1530 minutes to 6090 minutes.

U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken issued a temporary restraining order on November 24, citing the risks caused by the helicopters absence.

Wyden emphasized, This is a major step in keeping fishermen, residents, and visitors to Newport safe while they are on the Pacific Ocean. He added that he would continue monitoring the Coast Guards actions and oppose any plans by the Trump administration to establish an ICE detention center along the Oregon coast.

Author: Riley Thompson