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Deadly Catch: Alaska Fishing Vessel Katmai Sinks

Alaska, USA — on October 23, 2008 11:16 am

Brant Point LighthouseThe bodies of five fishermen were recovered Wednesday and four crew members were rescued after a fishing vessel sank in the Bering Sea off Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Among those rescued was the ship’s captain.

Two members of the 11-man crew are still missing.

The Katmai, a 93-foot cod-processing vessel, ran into trouble Wednesday evening, but there is no official word yet on what caused it to sink.

The Coast Guard initially received an email from another boat saying that the Katmai had lost steering and was taking on water in an enclosed area of the stern, then it received a signal from the boat’s Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon, which is activated once a vessel is submerged.

A search team flew out from Kodiak and rescued the four survivors by dropping two life rafts into the frigid 43-degree waters. They are reported to be in good health. The Coast Guard reported that waves reached up to 17 feet high, with 34 mph winds and precipitation.

The boat, owned by the Seattle-based Katmai Fisheries, was carrying a load of cod and was headed towards the port of Dutch Harbor, about 800 miles southwest of Anchorage. It was reported that all of the crew members hailed from Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

The Coast Guard said that it had inspected the Katmai during the past two years, but the inspections didn’t include checking for signs of hull weakness or other issues that might lead to flooding.

The last time the Coast Guard launched such a major rescue-and-recovery effort for a fishing vessel was on March 23, 2008, when a Seattle-based fishing boat sank off the Aleutian Islands. The captain and three crew members died, and the 42 remaining crew members were rescued safely.

Alaskan fishing crews have received widespread attention since the launch of Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. Princess Cruise Lines even offers a shore excursion to Ketchikan where passengers spend a day in the life of a fisherman aboard the F/V Aleutian Ballad, which was featured on the popular show.

Link: Seattle Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Associated Press, Anchorage Daily News

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Get more information about the latest in Boating Safety.

Katmai is also the name of a beautiful part of Alaska and one of America’s most spectacular Hidden National Parks.

  • http://nodebtworldtravel.com brian from nodebtworldtravel.com

    Condolences to the families of the fishermen. Fishing vessel workers definitely up there in World’s Most Dangerous Jobs list.

  • dougfromsitka

    My deepest condolences to the family of the members of the Fishing Vessel Katmai. I live in a fishing town of Sitka Alaska and we know the great losses that have been felt by losing family and friends. No one knows the feeling unless you have been in this situation before. The sea knows no bounds, you never know when it will hit and to whom. Keep a light on.

  • http://unknown stephanie

    I just watched this on Deadliest Catch and was moved. I’m glad they show just how quickly this job can become DEADLY. I don’t think a lot of people understand the depth of how quickly the sea can turn on you. Nothing will replace the love and lives that were taken away in those horrible moments but know their memories can never be taken from you. That peace is yours for a lifetime.

  • jonny

    so sad. my thoughts go out to the family and all that knew those that lost their lives in the katmai.

  • rob

    I just saw this epsiode on Deadliest catch and feel so sorry for the family members of the fishermen lost. I am a chef and now everytime I crack open a crab for service I will do it with much more appreciation for how it was delivered to my restaurant. May Gopd bless their souls.

  • Melissa Wallace

    I was on the boat the year before. My heart still cries for those that lost their lives, Robert Davis will be in my heart forever. I love him now, I love him still, I love him Forever.

  • Amy M

    My deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the men who lost their lives in the sinking of the Katmai. I learned of this tragedy through Deadliest Catch. Ironically, “Red Skies at Morning” was the first episode I saw … It was quite an introduction to the dangers fishermen face each time they take to the open ocean. My thoughts and prayers are with the families.

    A newly found appreciation is extended to all of you who risk your lives each day in the dangerous work you perform, whatever that job may be. Your dedication is commendable.

    May God bless you all, and keep you safe from harm.

  • http://smithatc1329msn.com jeff smith

    heart goes out to all these guys who perished..r.i.p guys..a tragedy doing a real dangerous job..always watch deadliest catch in the uk..absorbing and great programme but mindful of the fact ..the seas are no place for faint hearted..dangerous and can hit when you least expect..deepest sympathy to all the families and friedns who lost loved ones…R.I.P GUYS..GOD BLESS YOU ALL

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