On The Yaquina River in the Central Oregon Coast

BoatUS Towing, the nation’s largest on-the-water towing service for recreational mariners, has tapped Wiggins Towboat Company, a mini-tug service on central Oregon’s Yaquina Bay and River, as a BoatUS Approved Towing Responder.

Owned and operated by USCG licensed Captain Grant L. Snyder, Wiggins operates a 27-foot, 275 H.P. harbor tug that is located in the port of Toledo, OR at Port Dock #1. A second response vessel, a 27-foot twin-screw mobile tug, is pre-positioned on a three-axle trailer “Ready for launching on nearby waters – I just grab it and go,” said Capt. Snyder.

Both vessels have the Wiggins Towboat colors – green hulls with white houses and red stacks – and also carry signage as a “BoatUS 2007 Approved Tower.” The vessels have a full complement of towing equipment, including extra fuel and battery “jump packs” to handle every breakdown from running aground to running out of fuel.

Snyder, 31, is a Lincoln County native and the fourth generation of his family to make a living in the marine industry – his great uncle operated tugs in the area in the 1920’s. Snyder started Wiggins Towboat Company in 2002 and provides “harbor tug” and “mobile-ready” service to the Central Oregon Coast for commercial and recreational mariners. This now includes BoatUS members.

The company is the first on the river to offer mariners a reliable way to call for assistance seven days a week. Wiggins covers the Yaquina River from its mouth on the Pacific Ocean and the adjacent Yaquina Bay and Newport Harbor to the port of Toledo nearly 13 miles upriver, as well as to Elk City at mile marker 22.4. “Mobile Ready” service is also available at Devil’s Lake, Siletz River, and Alsea Bay, OR.

Snyder says that recreational mariners on the river sometimes need help when they run aground. “There’s numerous sand bars and mud flats that can slow you down in a hurry,” said Snyder. Other typical problems are engine breakdowns or running out of gas. “Winter rains can also produce some very strong ebb-tides and tricky spots,” said Snyder.

Mariners in need of towing assistance can reach Wiggins Towboat Company by VHF radio on channel 16; by calling the company directly at 541-270-6527, or through the BoatUS toll-free Dispatch Service at 800-391-4869.

Like an auto club, BoatUS’ Vessel Assist offers on-the-water assistance plans starting at around $37 a year. Without a towing plan, non- members face costs that nationally average about $600 per incident. Boaters can call 800-888-4869 or visit http://www.BoatUS.com/Towing for more information.