This Day in U.S. Coast Guard History – November 18
1953- Heavy rains in the Coquile, Coos, and Willamette River Valleys of western Oregon caused flooding of the lowland areas and isolation of some towns through the blocking of highways by slides and high water, necessitating the evacuation of families and livestock. A Coast Guard relief detail of boats, men, and aircraft participated in relief assistance measures, cooperating with the Red Cross and civil authorities.
1999- The 605-foot Russian freighter Sergo Zakariadze, loaded with a cargo of cement dust, ran aground at the entrance to San Juan harbor, Puerto Rico. Coast Guard Strike Team, MSO San Juan, Greater Antilles Section, among others, responded to the accident.
(Source: USCG Historian’s Office)