Blog Post


FOUR RESCUED FROM SINKING JUNEAU FISHING VESSEL, THE NAHANNI

Posted by: James M. Beard
September 01, 2009
Topic: Vessel Sinkings

The Anchorage Daily News is reporting that on Saturday, August 19, 2009, a four man crew, which included a 12 year old boy, and a 19 year old man, spent three hours trying to keep their fishing vessel, THE NAHANNI afloat after it grounded on Evans Island one mile from the village of Chenega Bay. Ultimately the 42 foot commercial purse seiner based in Juneau sank after taking on water.

According to the vessel owner, Ryan Rogers of Eugene, Oregon, the vessel had delivered a load of fish to its tender OCEAN BEAUTY. As the vessel was heading back out for more fishing through a narrow passage south of Chenega Bay, a current swung his vessel up against a steep rock and ripped a big hole in the bottom.

Rogers put out a distress call and his tender, and Icicle Seafoods tender and another fishing boat came around to help as did some workers from the Armin F. Koernig Salmon Hatchery. They were able to salvaged the crew's belongings including some gear but were not able to save THE NAHANNI from sinking.

The crew was rescued by Good Samaritan fishing boat, SEA WARRIOR, and taken to Chenega where they bunked at the salmon hatchery on Evans Island while waiting for the salvage crew and Coast Guard. No injuries are reported.