Posted on 08/04/2013 7:52:09 PM PDT by gettinolder
Alaska fishing trip ends in tragedy for old high-school pals Three old friends from Montesano High School in Grays Harbor County were on a fishing and camping trip in Alaska when high winds and seas dumped them into the water off Baranoff Island. Only one man made it to shore.
(Excerpt) Read more at adn.com ...
Terrible tradgedy for his family to endure.
I heard the calls the U.S.C.G. was putting out on VHF 16 the last couple days for two men missing (near Sitka, quite a ways from where I operate)and in the water, never realizing who it was until yesterday when Mother-in-Law called my wife, letting her know who it was and that they had recovered his body yesterday afternoon.
John had helped recover the body of his best friend and business partner a number of years ago when a boat his friend, friends father and brother were in capsized while pulling King Crab pots.
I had taken his friend out on a fishing trip also and introduced him to Alaskan fishing. (19 or 20 years ago)
John was always very safety concious.
Sorry for your family’s loss.
The sea is dangerous, even under the best of circumstances and everything is done right, it can still take your life.
Prayers up.
I am so sorry. Prayers for all the friends and loved ones left behind.
There is some deep water out there in the ocean - not to mention waves. And the water is cold. Even in summertime.
Prayers for their loved ones.
Sorry for your loss.
Monte is near by me and, being a classic small town, I am sure more than family are hurting.
Thanks for prayers for the family to all of you.
I had not stayed in close contact with John for several years, we were both raising families working you know how it is.
Just trying to get my head wrapped around this almost identical accident to the one that happended 10 years ago or more when John’s friend and friends father or brother perished in boating accident. And now to have this happen all over again.
He leaves a wife and two children, along with mother father and sister, plus all other family plus friends. (Not forgetting the other loss of life either in Thursday’s accident)
John was one of those guys who would give you the shirt off his back.
I was TDY at Ft. Richardson many years ago and went fishing at Seward Bay. While out on the water and only about 100 feet from shore I put my hand in the water and it was so cold it hurt. I knew if for any reason I went in that water I wouldn’t make it the 100 feet to shore.
Yes, people do not realize how dangerous cold water is. People forget that their body temperature is nearly 99 degrees so even in 70 degree waters, you can succumb to hypothermia in as little as three hours. Anything under 50 degrees and you likely will not survive one hour in the water.
I’m very sorry for your loss. Our friend loves to go to Alaska to fish, I don’t know if he goes out in boats though.
I am so sorry for your loss. PRayers UP.
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