Solemn 15th anniversary of LaPush Coast Guard tragedy

In the adjacent photo, Coast Guard Fireman Antonio Decoster, right, completes bringing a wreath to a memorial in LaPush to three Coast Guard rescuers who were killed Feb. 12, 1997, while responding to a boater’s distress call.

From left are the Quillayute River Station officer in charge, Master Chief Petty Officer Scott Lowery, and Quileute tribal member Beverly Loudon.

Sunday’s 15th anniversary commemoration of the tragedy began in a nearby gym, then resumed outside.

Here is a Coast Guard feature story on the 1997 accident and changes that have followed since then: http://tinyurl.com/79zyjqc