21-Year-Old Fisherman Dies After Becoming Entangled in Fishing Gear

It is with great sadness that we report the death of a 21-year-old commercial fisherman. On Friday July 5^th, 2024, Corwin Wheeler died after becoming entangled in fishing gear and being pulled overboard and underwater in the Bristol Bay area.

According to Alaska State Trooper spokesman Austin McDaniel, The Department of Public Safety’s patrol vessel received a distress call from the salmon fishermen aboard the F/V ANNY JOY in Kvichak Bay at approximately 12:30 a.m. It was reported that the captain and three other crew members were on board at the time of the incident.

According to Alaska State Troopers, two patrol vessels responded to the scene just as the crew pulled Mr. Wheeler from the water. He had been in the water for about half an hour before being pulled back onto the boat and was unconscious at that time.

Lifesaving measures were administered for about an hour before Mr. Wheeler was pronounced dead.

Corwin Wheeler was from Wisconsin and will always be remembered as an outgoing young man and a committed friend and brother.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, approximately one in ten commercial fishing deaths involve gear entanglement. This tragic accident demonstrates the dangers commercial fishers face each day. The laws are complex, and it can be difficult to determine which laws are applicable to a specific case.

With over 80 years of combined experience in Jones Act and Maritime Law, the attorneys at Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC are some of the most experienced maritime lawyers in the nation. They have managed thousands of maritime injury accident cases, including more than 60 maritime wrongful death claims. They are uniquely qualified to oversee claims and complex maritime cases.

The Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC team understands how accidents happen and how they could have been prevented. The compassionate team, many of whom are former fishermen, are dedicated to getting fair compensation for clients and their families. If you or a loved one has been involved in a maritime accident, call today for a free consultation about your case.