Destination

Published on: October 15, 2024

Safety Rules Still Lax After F/V Scandies Rose and F/V Destination Losses

Five years have passed since the tragic loss of the F/V SCANDIES ROSE, and seven years since the sinking of the F/V DESTINATION. Both vessels were burdened with crab pots that exceeded the estimated weights in their stability reports, and both vessels capsized during severe weather conditions. The attorneys at Stacey and Jacobsen, PLLC have been closely involved in these tragic cases, representing both the two surviving crew members of the F/V SCANDIES ROSE and the wife and three children of a deceased crew member from the F/V DESTINATION.

Despite a 2010 congressional mandate for stability training, the U.S. Coast Guard has yet to implement the requirement. Currently, there is no formal process in place for reviewing stability calculations for non-processor crab vessels or the vast majority of fishing vessels operating in Alaska.

A stability report for crab boats, like those used in the fishing industry, is a crucial safety document that details how a vessel behaves in various loading conditions, ensuring that it remains stable and safe in the water.

Published on: April 26, 2022

U.S. Coast Guard Releases Ice Accretion Study

by Joseph Stacey

The loss of the F/V SCANDIES ROSE on New Year’s Eve 2019 was the deadliest accidents since the 2017 capsizing of the F/V DESTINATION, in which all six crew members tragically died. The lawyers at Stacey and Jacobsen, PLLC understand firsthand how devastating these accidents are to those experiencing the loss of loved ones, as we represented the families and survivors in both heartbreaking cases.

These tragic sinkings and capsizing accidents are not altogether isolated. It is imperative for the safety of the industry that we better understand how ice accumulates on pot cages, netting, and the parts within each pot.

In December 2020, the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation requested that the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC) study the icing factors that were involved in the loss of the F/V SCANDIES ROSE as well as the loss of the F/V DESTINATION. The U.S. Coast Guard recently released the results of this long awaited study regarding the ice accretion and ice accumulation on fishing gear. The study and experiments specifically focused on ice accretion and ice accumulation on the crab and cod pots used in the icy waters of the Alaskan Bering Sea.

Published on: March 5, 2019

Destination: Final Coast Guard Report

by Joseph Stacey

After a two-year investigation, the U.S. Coast Guard has released its findings regarding the devastating F/V DESTINATION accident that took the lives of all six crew members aboard the vessel. According to Captain Lee Boone, Chief of Coast Guard Investigations, “It just wasn’t one thing”.

On February 11th, 2017, the crew of the Seattle-based crab boat, DESTINATION set off into the Bering Sea with a stability report that was more than 20 years old, an exhausted crew, and freezing spray and ice that overloaded the vessel.

“Since 1993, some changes had been made to the vessel,” Captain Boone said. “Those should have been incorporated into updated stability instructions that the master could follow.”

Published on: May 9, 2017

Benefit Auction for the Minor Children of the Destination Crew Nets $125,000

by Joseph Stacey

What began as a small fundraiser for the minor children of the F/V Destination crew quickly gained momentum and turned into a sold-out gala as community members saw a tangible way to help the families of the fishermen lost at sea. Tickets for “A Night Among the Stars” went on sale April 7th, and by April 21st, 300 tickets at $50 each had been sold. Organizers were thrilled, and worked tirelessly to produce an event that honored the fallen fishermen, their families, and the entire fishing community. The event, held on May 6th at the Ballard Elks Club, netted just over $125,000. Proceeds will benefit the minor children of the Destination crew.

Donations came from all over the Pacific Northwest, as did guests in attendance. “We just want to do something; we want to help those families, and this is a great way to honor those brave men and offer support.” said one local business owner. Auction items included flying lessons, Seahawks tickets, rounds of golf at local private clubs, overnight adventures, and of course, seafood.

If you were unable to attend the gala but would like to contribute, there are several ways you can help. Destination commemorative baseball hats and t-shirts are available to purchase at eJoinMe.org, and donations can be made at any Peoples Bank location in Western Washington. Peoples Bank is administering the fund, and will not collect any fees; 100 percent of all donations will be directed to the F/V Destination Charitable Fund. Contributions can also be made by check payable to the “F/V Destination Charitable Fund” and mailed to: F/V Destination Charitable Fund, 999 3rd Ave. #2600, Seattle, WA 98104.

Published on: February 14, 2017

Search for F/V DESTINATION in the Bering Sea Suspended

by Joseph Stacey

It is with great sadness that we report the suspension of the search for the six missing crew members of the F/V DESTINATION. The vessel is believed to have sunk on Saturday, February 11th in the Bering Sea. Weather at the time was reported as 30-mph winds with five to eight-foot seas and snowing. The air temperature was 21 degrees and sea temperature was 3o degrees.

The Coast Guard reported that the search covered more than 5,730 square nautical miles, and included 21 coordinated searches with a total of 69 aircraft and surface hours.

Watchstanders from the 17th District reported that an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) alert was received from the F/V DESTINATION early Saturday morning, and that Kodiak aircrews were deployed to initiate the search.