2 Fishermen Die After Boat Sinks Off Santa Barbara Coast

[JWALK]

Im not sure if this has already been posted, but, its' another very sad reality check for us all. May God Bless their souls.

By Gary Polakovic, Times Staff Writer
July 12, 2006
Two commercial fishermen died and another was rescued after their boat sank near Santa Cruz Island off the Santa Barbara coast early Tuesday, the Coast Guard reported.

Clifton Kent, a 45-year-old Santa Barbara resident and skipper of the 5G's, managed to swim more than a mile through chilly waters and was rescued near the island's Painted Caves area.
But two crew members were found dead amid debris scattered over the water's surface when a scuba-diving boat, the Peace from Ventura County, spotted an oil slick at 8:45 a.m. The crew of the Peace notified the Coast Guard, and then dispatched a dinghy to rescue Kent, who was airlifted to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

The identities of the victims were not released. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Mike McCorkle, 67, has fished off the Southern California coast for 50 years and moors his boats next to the 5G's in Santa Barbara Harbor. He said the 36-foot Canadian-built steel fishing boat carries large nets, which are used at night. He said Kent was probably saved by luck and his powerful swimming ability.

"He can swim all day when he's diving for urchins, so he's a very strong swimmer," McCorkle said. "Fishing is a dangerous occupation, but something weird happened out there because he was an experienced fisherman."

Kent could not be reached for comment.

About 100 commercial fishing boats operate out of Santa Barbara Harbor, and this time of year many of them target halibut and white sea bass for restaurants in the Los Angeles area. Many boats use nets and operate at night at least a mile from the northern islands that constitute Channel Islands National Park.

The boat sank about two miles from shore, said John Bridley, waterfront director for the Santa Barbara Harbor.

The Coast Guard said the stricken vessel issued no radio transmissions for help. Fishermen reported no unusual conditions: 2- to 4-foot swells, light winds and visibility of about three-quarters of a mile in the Santa Barbara Channel on Tuesday morning.

"Something had to have happened pretty quickly in order for that boat to go down and not get out a call, but that's conjecture," Bridley said.

Petty Officer Prentice Danner of the Coast Guard said boating mishaps involving anglers are rare off Southern California. There were no fatalities last year and three fishermen died in 2004.

"It's unusual for a large boat like this, engaged in fishing, to sink and have people die," Danner said.

The Coast Guard and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department are conducting an investigation.

The following is a letter written by Clifton Kent, the skipper of the 5 G'S commercial fishing boat that sank off the coast of Santa Cruz Island Monday night. (spelling errors corrected)

The Boat left S.B. Harbor 5:15 everything was fine when we arrived at the Island's. We started to set the net about 9:00 at arch rock app 1 1/2 miles out.

At the time of setting the net everything seemed to be alright. Then Mike called out--there was a little water on the deck, I came out on deck to see about the water; at this point I know something was wrong, I told Mike let's get the net in quick, about this time we took 2 waves over the stern, the boat turned to port it flooded the whole boat in seconds, seconds later the boat turned over. We instantly grabbed 5 fishing balls, and wrapped them together.

We could not see the boat floating at all. The three of us got together and talked and we decided we had 2 choices 1. To swim to Gary Burks boat the “Titan" which was up and out to sea or 2. Get together and try to swim to the island about 1 1/2 miles off. We all decided to swim to the island.

About 45 minutes into the swim Mike had a problem.

The current was very strong and waves were braking over us. we tried for 20 mins to revive him and keep swimming at the same time. We realized that Mike had passed and decided to clip him to 2 buoys and we had to keep swimming.

2 hours later Joe gave up he was "exhausted & cold" I tried toeing him & begged him to try and swim.

it came to a point I had to make a decision, I could no further help to Joe.

I unclipped my buoy and asked Joe to swim with me I had to make this choice, I had family at home.

I didn't no if I could make it at this point, I was afraid of missing this whole island about 2:00 am. I finaly got to the island.

I could not get up on the island I had to swim app. 1/4 to 1/2 mile to find a spot to climb up on .

We were all good friends and I will miss them.

End Story

[midnightrambler]

damm prayers go out to there familys

[Mo Betta]

I came out on deck to see about the water; at this point I know something was wrong, I told Mike let's get the net in quick, about this time we took 2 waves over the stern, the boat turned to port it flooded the whole boat in seconds, seconds later the boat turned over. We instantly grabbed 5 fishing balls, and wrapped them together.

Wow just that quick, and your in the water. He had to make some decisions about his life and his friemds lives. I hope I am never in that position. I think everyone should read this one.

[bigeye2k]

Damm that is rough. My prayers are with them and their families.

[umoa]

did not know that waters in socal were so dangerous. not sure of the facts but when i first heard of the accident, foul play came into mind.

[KuttySark]

That letter just tore my heart out. Begging your friend to keep swimming then having to make the decision to leave him is something no one should ever have to do. Damn shame their EPIRB didnt do its job, if they had one.

[drseiler]

you made all the right decisions. You had to. We all are so fragle in this world especialy fishermen. My prayers are w their family's God Bless all who work the waters for fun or a job.