One Rescued, But Search Suspended for Another, After Two Crew Members Went Overboard From Crabbing Vessel This Morning

Coast Guard helicopter headed north after the search for the missing crew member was suspended.

Coast Guard helicopter headed north after the search for the missing crew member was suspended. [Crop of a photo by Lloyd Snyder]

Two crew members of the Chief Joseph, a commercial crabbing vessel based out of Eureka, went overboard a little after 1 a.m. today eight nautical miles west of the south spit, according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Sunderman, Operations Specialist.  One was immediately retrieved by fellow crewmembers but one was lost from sight, she said.

“Our helicopter was on scene at 1:50 and they commenced searching. A Coast Guard helicopter, a fixed wing C27, and two motor lifeboats were at the scene,” she told us. “We had changed out the aircrew once and we had to return for fuel two times…We did a continuous search.We just actually suspended the search as of 1300 [1 p.m.] today.”

Sunderman said, “As of right now, pending further information, we are suspended.” She explained that on water and air temperature, the Coast Guard estimated that crewmember would not survive past nine hours. “We did a continuous search for 11 hours,” she said.

Then, Sunderman added, “Obviously, whenever we have to suspend [a search,] it hits us hard and it is a tragic loss for the community as well.”

UPDATE 6:32 p.m.: Family of Missing Crew Member Pleads for Help

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19 Comments
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Bozo
Guest
Bozo
6 years ago

Almost the same place where the other fishing boat had a
flooded engine room yesterday.

Bippity Bop
Guest
Bippity Bop
6 years ago

Typo. “Members” = “hours” Feel free to delete, Kym.

Dan Fuller
Guest
Dan Fuller
6 years ago
Reply to  Bippity Bop

Something “in the water” perhaps???

Perspective
Guest
Perspective
6 years ago

8 miles out? Why so far I wonder. Sad situation and prayers for all involved.

Jazmine osier
Guest
Jazmine osier
6 years ago

The member still missing is a family member of mine. This search means so much to us. We need the coast guard to keep searching. Please get them to try. He cannot just be left there. We are here going crazy and feeling powerless. Anybody that can help, we would like them to help.

⛵
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Jazmine osier

I hope some volunteers, who have boats, hear your plea & are willing to donate their time!🚣🚤🚢⛵Praying for your family!

dapisan
Guest
dapisan
6 years ago
Reply to 

The ocean forecast is not good for sport boats today. I’m sorry for your loss, however risking more lives is not a good idea.

⛵
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thumbs up!

Jazmine osier
Guest
Jazmine osier
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thank you, Kym and all who have showed support and put out prayers. This help means so much to all of us and we have so much gratitude. We hope he comes home.

Guest
Guest
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

“Nine members”?

Liz
Guest
Liz
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Second to last paragraph, “the Coast Guard estimated that crewmember would not survive past nine members. “

Lauri Bean
Guest
Lauri Bean
6 years ago
Reply to  Jazmine osier

I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Brian was a very good customer of mine I had a cafe in Ilwaco Washington and him and John Terry would come in for breakfast everyday. He was always kind and polite and just an all-around good guy I’m very saddened to hear this news and I’m sending prayers of strength and condolences to your family. Lauri and Debra from the PortsideCafe

Diane Rose
Guest
Diane Rose
6 years ago

Prayers for the family. It hits all of us when one is lost. Prayers to the crew who will always be affected by this. Just breaks my heart.

Christina Hamby
Guest
Christina Hamby
6 years ago

I am going to pray and pray and pray some more. I hate this. My husband is out there right now crabbing by newport and i worry and just wait for his safe return. This is truly hurting my heart.

Guest
Guest
Guest
6 years ago

I hope he is recovered soon. It’s so horrible being unsure. Your heart can’t help hoping at every piece of news that maybe a miracle happened and being saddened all over again if it proves wrong.

May all fishermen return safely every trip they make.

DENISE WATSON
Guest
DENISE WATSON
6 years ago

Whenever I see the boats out on the ocean, I always say a silent prayer for them to stay safe. It breaks my heart that this wonderful person has been lost to us. No, I didn’t know him, but it hurts my heart just the same.

My deepest condolences goes out to his family, friends, and the fishing community.