Overboard Incidents

Published on: July 28, 2017

Search Continues for Bristol Bay Crewman Who Went Overboard in Ugashik

The U.S. Coast Guard is still searching for a fisherman who went missing after going overboard in Ugashik Bay.

Petty Officer Bill Colclough says the vessel Lady Colleen reported just after 12:00 a.m. Thursday that a crewman had gone overboard.

“The person was observed falling into the water wearing dark green rain bibs, with no personal flotation device, and could not swim,” he said. “The crew reported they were unable to get the person before being observed going underneath the water and not resurfacing.”

Published on: January 10, 2017

Good Samaritan Rescues 5 After Star King Sinking

by Joseph Stacey

WARRENTON, Ore. – Five commercial fishermen were rescued from the water after their fishing vessel STAR KING, a 55-foot stern trawler, capsized and sank near the mouth of the Columbia River early Saturday morning.

Crewmembers were pulled from the water by good Samaritan fishing vessel SEA BALLAD, then transferred to the Coast Guard 47-foot Motor Life Boat. The STAR KING crew were then transported to Ilwaco, Washington by Coast Guard personnel. No crewmembers required medical attention.

Watchstanders at the Sector Columbia River command center received the first mayday call at 4:31 a.m. It was reported that the vessel was taking on water and listing hard to starboard before capsizing and sending all five fishermen into the water. All crewmembers were accounted for by 5:10 a.m.

Published on: December 3, 2014

How to Help Yourself Survive in Cold Water: The 1 – 10 – 1 Principle

by Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC

Sadly, stories are rolling in of boats foundering and sinking with crewmembers thrown into frigid winter waters. The Coast Guard and Good Samaritan vessels courageously assist as many survivors as possible, but the 1-10-1 Principle can help you survive until a boat or helicopter arrives. All of the following time averages are dependent upon the temperature of the water and condition of the victim.

1 – 10 – 1 represent crucial time periods after you hit the water.

1: During the first minute, Cold Shock will set in, including gasping and hyperventilation. You must get your breathing under control and gain an awareness of your situation. Panic will dramatically decrease your chance of survival.

Published on: March 12, 2014

F/V SEEKER – Man Overboard in Bering Sea – Search Ensues

by Lysander Johnson

This morning, about 10 miles northwest of Unimak Island, Alaska, a man went into the water off 98-foot, Newport, Oregon-based SEEKER. According to reports, the crew aboard Good Samaritan trawler-processor SEAFREEZE ALASKA contacted the Coast Guard asking for help searching for the man. A number of other Good Samaritan vessel crews and Coast Guard helicopter crews joined in the effort immediately, with the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley crew arriving to assist during the afternoon.

At the time the seas were 10 feet with winds of 35mph. The missing man is said to be Eric Eder of Waldport, Oregon, a husband and father of young children. How he went into the water has not yet been released and is under investigation. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.

Published on: January 16, 2013

Coast Guard Searches For Overboard Fisherman Off Washington Coast

by Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC

The fishing vessel SENJA is reporting that a crewman has been lost overboard off the Washington Coast. The Coast Guard is searching for the crewman via helicopter and motor life boat. Weather is reported to be five knot winds with six foot waves. The accident happened at approximately 1:30 a.m. about 8 miles due west of Ocean Shores. The fifty-six year old crewman was not wearing a life jacket. It has been recommended that all deckhands working on commercial fishing vessels wear floatation devices and work vests. No further details are available about the accident at this time. Fishing off the Coasts of Washington and Oregon remains highly dangerous. Last year the F/V LADY CECELIA sank in the same fishing area, with the loss of four lives.

Published on: March 14, 2012

Columbia River Bar Pilot Rescued After Fall Overboard From Ship

by Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC

It was the middle of the night when Columbia River Bar Capt. Debbie Dempsey fell overboard just west of the Columbia River Bar on March 5th. Capt. Dempsey had guided a grain ship over the treacherous bar and was climbing down a jacobs latter to return to the Pilot Boat COLUMBIA when the fall occurred. Bar pilots do not wear survival suits and, instead, use a type of lighter float suit that is equipped with a water-activated strobe and emergency radio beacon. In Captain Dempsey’s case, the crew of the Pilot Boat COLUMBIA was able to quickly locate Capt. Dempsey and get her back aboard the pilot boat.

In 2006, Captain Kevin Murray was working heavy weather as a Columbia River Bar Pilot when he fell in a similar transfer, losing his life. Investigation into Captain Murray’s death in a subsequent maritime wrongful death claim brought by Beard Stacey & Jacobsen revealed a number of deficiencies in the Columbia River Bar Pilots’ training and procedures. Columbia River Bar pilots now vigorously train in search and rescue procedures. The cause of Capt. Dempsey’s accident will be investigated by the Columbia River Bar Pilots, as well as probably the United States Coast Guard and the NTSB.