UPDATED. Garibaldi Disaster

[Jennie@ifish]

Press Release from Tillamook County Sherrif's Office

http://www.ifish.net/Garibtaki.jpg

http://www.ifish.net/Garibtaki1.jpg


This morning at 07:26 US Coast Guard, Tillamook Bay, reported that the fishing vessel named Taki-Tooo capsized at the bar of Tillamook Bay. The rescue operation is still active. There are 9 passengers confirmed deceased. Eight patients were transported to Tillamook County General Hospital, and two passengers are still missing.

When the vessel left Garibaldi marina this morning, there were 17 passengers on board, one boat operator, and one deck hand.

Refer Under Sherriff Terry Huntsman
Tillamook Country Sheriff's Office
Updated at 11:12 AM


...and then there is the hearsay from the checker at ODFW:
The captain's name was Douglas Davis, and the deck hand, Tammy Buell, was reported as alive. Three other charter boats are out, ahead of him, and crossed the bar without incident.

Earlier witness report:

Pete is camping at Bar View and just called.

There is a terrible accident happening.

It was reported the "Tackitoo" went down with 19 people aboard.

Anyway, 1/2 dozen ambulances, dozens of fire trucks, helicopters and reported, 9 dead.

My heart is wrenched. :depressed: Pete has his daughter, and he can't go down there, and doesn't want to. I guess they are laying out the bodies. :depressed:

Jen

[ 06-14-2003, 05:04 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[Point-of-Sale Clerk]

:depressed: :depressed: :depressed:

[Jennie@ifish]

Here is the latest report. Remember, this isn't fact until reported by the authorities. This is all hearsay.

7 walking
6 dead
5 still missing.

Jen

[sturgn]

Sad Sad day, I hate to hear this!

[happybrew]

Oh my goodness! That's awful! :depressed:

happybrew

[Kentucky Hog Hunter]

Jenny, this is so sad. Did this happen as they were crossing the bar?

I will say a prayer for the families. :depressed:

[the bear]

omg so sorry to hear this terriable news have been out on her many times over the years and has always been a top notch run boat my heart goes out to the loved ones of this disaster and pray for those that have not been found :bowdown:

[skein]

Terrible news. The story will unfold and we will all learn a lesson from this, but right now all we can do is keep the families of those involved in our hearts....

So, so sad.

Skein

[Rusty]

KGW in Portland has confirmed from Coast Guard sources that a 32' Charter Boat has gone down. No further confirmed details available. 3 helicopters and all available CG craft are on scene.

Rusty

[crabbait]

Awful news. My thoughts are with the families and those still missing. :depressed:

[Lucky Luke]

That's terrible news, Jen. Keep us posted. :hoboy:

[Jennie@ifish]

That's all the report that I have.
I'm going to the fin clipping now.

Just keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers. I am horrified. :depressed:

Pete called and said the ocean is breaking all the way across, several times. Not a pretty bar to cross.

Keep all of your opinions about "why and how" to yourself until we know the facts, please. This is no time to preach that "they shouldn't have" etc...

Please don't go there, OK? Just join in with positive prayers and support for those that are in need.
Thanks,

Jen

[ 06-14-2003, 09:08 AM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[Miss B Haven]

:depressed: :depressed: :depressed: :depressed: :depressed: :depressed:

[24 on/ 48 off]

A horrible tragedy :depressed:

--spud--

[ 06-14-2003, 09:12 AM: Message edited by: 24 on/ 48 off ]

[Miss B Haven]

This is NOT looking good. :depressed: :hoboy:

[Fish Hawg]

:depressed: so sad to hear :depressed: my heart goes out to the families

[Firedog]

Here is what the news has so far.

BREAKING NEWS: Fishing boat capsizes off Ore. coast, at least several dead
06/14/2003

By kgw.com and AP Staff


Several people are believed dead after a charter fishing boat carrying 19 people capsized off the Oregon coast Saturday morning, officials said.


The U.S. Coast Guard says a rescue operation is underway and 16 people are accounted for.


The 32-foot Taki Tooo fishing boat capsized as it sailed out of Tillamook Bay.


Three helicopters and two life boats are searching for the other three people in 15-foot surf near the mouth of Tillamook Bay, said Coast Guard Commander Patrick Brennan.

[Deleted User]

:depressed: So sad to hear about this. My heart and prayers go out to the families involved in this tradgedy.

[Fishin Magician]

My prayers go out to the families of the victims........... :depressed:

[Stz ll]

Very Sad! :depressed: :depressed: :depressed: :depressed:

[Firedog]

Sad, Sad.

Updated story.
BREAKING NEWS: Fishing boat capsizes off Ore. coast, several dead
06/14/2003

Associated Press


A charter fishing boat carrying 19 people capsized off the Oregon coast early Saturday, and a rescue operation was underway, the U.S. Coast Guard said.


Four people were confirmed dead by about 9:30 a.m., said Petty Officer Justin Erdman with the Coast Guard's Group Astoria base.


Rescuers could account for 18 people, and continued searching for one, he said. He did not know the medical condition of the others.


There was at least one survivor.


The 32-foot Taki Tooo capsized in 15-foot breaking surf as it sailed out of Tillamook Bay at 7:18 a.m., according to U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Patrick Brennan.


The Coast Guard dispatched three helicopters and two 47-foot lifeboats to the mouth of the bay near the north jetty. One helicopter was later called away from the scene because the search grid was too small to accommodate all three aircraft, Brennan said.


The wrecked boat has since washed onto shore near or on the jetty, Brennan said.


The Coast Guard will continue searching for anybody remaining in the water for four to eight hours, the length of time a person could survive in the about 50 degree Pacific Ocean water, Brennan said.

[brshooter]

This is very sad. :depressed: :depressed: My thoughts and prayers are with all involved.

[DB_Cooper]

News Brief

DJ Oregon/Boat Capsizes -3: Eight Survivors In Area Hospital


Eight survivors were brought to the emergency room at Tillamook County General Hospital suffering from hypothermia and needing oxygen because of near drowning, said nursing supervisor Heather Scovell.

"They hit a wave wrong and the boat capsized, that's what I was told," Scovell said. "They're cold, in shock."

Those at the hospital ranged in age from 13 to 48; seven are male and one is female, Scovell said. Some were members of the same family.

Nine people from the capsized boat had been confirmed dead, said Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Paul Painter.

One body was brought to the Tillamook Coast Guard station; the other eight lay on beach at Barview State Park just north of Tillamook Bay, he said.

One survivor was brought to a coast guard station, he said.


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

[Jennie@ifish]

This is nuts. My phone is ringing off the hook. The Oregonian, my fax machine... I feel like some news agency. I'm not!

This is an awful day. I didn't make it to the fin clipping due to requests for pictures. They let me passed the police with my press pass, and I got down to the beach and nearly got sick. I'm not cut out for this. :depressed:

Jen

[ 06-14-2003, 11:54 AM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[Jet Drifter]

oh no :depressed: ... :depressed: so very very sad to hear about this.
My heart and prayers go out to the families involved in this tradgedy.

[corrirod]

Seasquid called me from T-bay and said he knew something bad had happened when he saw all the helicopters going over his head.

I can't even imagine the chaos that occured after the boat turned over. :depressed: You just never know when it's going to happen and you never expect it.

Be safe out there Ifishers. Mother Nature is very unforgiving at times. I'm just devastated. :depressed:

[big n bright]

very sad day. :depressed: :depressed:

I hope the families pull thru.

God bless all........Bobby

[big n bright]

19 people aboard a 32 foot boat seems like a lot

is this the norm?

just curious.

[FROGGY]

:depressed: Sad, terrible day. I just heard about this on the radio comming back from fishing. This paticular radio station is already placing blame. These story hungry loosers have no respect for human life :mad:
My prayers go out to all who are involed.

[Jennie@ifish]

I have spoken to several people on this issue, and so far, the story is that they were not overloaded.
Jen

[ 06-14-2003, 03:21 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[Bill Monroe]

What a day to be stuck in Missouri!
Hang in there, Jen...this is the dirty thankless part.
Our thoughts are with everyone...

[Bill Monroe]

Watching it now...grim...especially the attempts at second-guessing...looks like no one was wearing much for lifejackets? So probably it was unexpected.

[Jennie@ifish]

Bill, the seas were nasty. The 8 to 12 foot seas were breaking all the way across with several sets. My mouth is stuck wide open that no life jackets were being worn.

I'm sorry. OK. I said it. I may be sorry I said it, but I did.

I am NOT laying blame, and there may very well be a reasonable explanation. I'm just surprised, is all.

I have to remind myself, too, that this is not the time to question things... I suppose it's normal and natural to want to place blame. I'm feelin it. :depressed: But the families need peace and comfort, and you just never know who is reading this. That said, I apologize right here and now, if there is something that I don't know that would explain it.


Jen

[ 06-14-2003, 02:44 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[Kentucky Hog Hunter]

I know this is difficult for many, many people but I think it is now time to stand up and say this.

I am a very big advocate of mandetory usage of a life jacket while a vessel is underway.

I know that is not comforting to those who lost loved ones today or in the past but I think it is time to make it law.

I have always wore mine and will always be reminded to do so whenever I cross any bar and remind myself about this tragedy.

God Bless those families of this tragedy.

[Jennie@ifish]

Our very own State Policeman and Fishing Guide, Joe Schwab (http://www.ifish.net/captainj.html) just called, and he has been on the scene most of the day.

I'll bet he is emotionally exhausted.

Joe reports that currently 2 are still missing, even though a lot of places are reporting only one missing. The search goes on.

A group of three boats went out together, as often they do. The Oakland Pilot, the D and D, and the Tacki Too traveled together. The Oakland Pilot, (Joe reports), said that seas were so rough that his deck hand was knocked out cold, by a wave.

The captain of the Tacki tooo was a seasoned captain, and was hit broadside by a wave on the ebb.

Joe does not believe the boat was overloaded, and no one he spoke with, (including captains of other charters) mentioned that overloading was a problem.

Charter boats are not forced to have their passengers wear PFD's at any time.

The boats partnering the Tacki Tooo safely crossed the bar, and on the return trip, charter clients were seen decked in life jackets for their trip over the bar.

Thanks for calling, Joe, and thanks for your service in this time of need.

Jen

[ 06-14-2003, 03:43 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[Born to be Wild]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2003-06-14-oregon-boat_x.htm

[swampy]

I was on the bay today , fishing inside along the north jetty. Surreal, disheartening ,scary and sad. The bar was messy but have seen it worse. breakers all across. I know I could not have rendered aid as conditions did not allow. One feels helpless. The search and rescue sent chills through you . The sirens waled and coast guard scrambled. My thoughts and prayers to those lost and to those who lost loved ones. Many gracious thanks to the men and women of the US Coast Guard. May God Bless them .. swampy

[timinthegorge]

I'm so sad. The families of those lost are in my thoughts. :depressed: :depressed: :depressed:

[Jacks or Better]

I've been out all day with my wife. Didn't hear of this until 5:00. Thanks to Jennie for keeping us posted. I don't think I could do this. A very sad day for all of the Tillamook area and the families involved.

[Jennie@ifish]

Your favorite fisher gal, Rhonda Shelby of Channel two, just e mailed me that she is doing a side bar story tonight, at around 5:30 on the crossing of Tillamook Bay Bar, and the great tidal differences that occurred today to cause the difficult conditions.

Be sure to tune in!

Jen

[ 06-14-2003, 05:20 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[sinker]

This article is reporting that Doug Davis the skipper didnt' survive.
Found this link on DrudgeReport.
Redding.com (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BOAT_CAPSIZED?SITE=CARED&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT)

[Jennie@ifish]

It's true, from what I have heard. :depressed:

[hickwithaflyrod]

Please pray for these people, twop of them I knew one is a fishing buddy of may father and I and he is one of the men still missing out at sea. The other his brother and he is one of the men that are dead. Please pray for these men wemon and children that had to go through something like this...

Thanks for the prayers, John

[Gizmo Man]

A sad day. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

Giz...

[john montana]

i don't post much, but i wanted to add my prayers and thoughts to all the others thinking of the families of those involved...

[bullhead]

What a trajedy...My heart and prayers go out to the families of those that perished, those still missing, and to the surviving parties, hoping none of their loved ones were among the missing or lost.

I too have been out on the Taki Tooo, and know Doug as a very experienced skipper. He's been running running out of Garibaldi for at least 15-20 years. The Taki Tooo used to run out of Hammond prior to that. Doug is a very good friend of friend of mine, who used to also skipper that boat out of Hammond and a once in a while out of Garibaldi.

I sure hope the lesson learned is that PFD's are no BFD, so we should all wear 'em whenever in doubt, and even when not.

Again, my deepest sympathy to all parties involved!

Bullhead, out.

[Nanook]

:sick: We heard about it sitting on the Columbia today. Was sick then and I'm really sick now.

Prayers and sympathy to all. :depressed:

Rick

[ 06-14-2003, 07:56 PM: Message edited by: ****** ]

[HORNBLOWER]

My wife, STARFISH,and I heard about this just awhile ago..It is a sad time, and this kind of loss of life always seems so useless...when some very capable, fine, and good people die due to a freak accident. From what we have heard, the skipper was excellent....We both send our deepest regrets to all who knew these people. I am now completely resolved to purchase us both the updated inflatable life vests, which are "expensive", but--what is a life worth?

[Jennie@ifish]

zzzz I'm exhausted!
I had the baked potatoes in the oven, and the flank steak ready to broil.

Rhonda Shelby calls and tells me she likes my angle on lifejackets that I wrote on the front page. "Could I please go to the jetty to do an interview about life jackets for the late news?"

"Sure." I say. (I hate live TV interviews. I'm terrible at them! My lower lip always quivers when I get nervous.)

I put the potatoes on warm, smother my tired and sagging face in Estee Lauder's finest beige, slap on some lipstick and get in the car.

Drive out the to jetty, meet nice guy, Ed, get seated on a nice log, do the sound test, and we are ready. "Hi Jennie!"

<Odd things eminating from camera>

"That's it, we are dead!" Says the camera man. He complained a bit about older equipment, and started to put away the camera.

WHEW! Saved by the broken equipment! :smile:

I get in my car and go home.

Now, can I broil my flank steak? Pheh! I'm ready to eat!

What a day! I've been through a dozen and some emotions, and I am afraid to close my eyes, tonight to go to sleep, lest visions of what I saw today come to haunt.

There are times when I wish my Mother were alive, and I was smaller than I am. I'd climb up in her lap and give it a good cry.
Jen

[ 06-14-2003, 07:53 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[OceanBlue]

Jennie -

Tell Bill to wrap you up tight in his arms.

Hugs,

Jen

[Hamachi]

My thoughts and prayers are with the families involved tonight. As an ex SoCal fisherman with very little bar crossing experience, this makes me all the more vigilant in my safety up here.

[Sea Jypzee]

I heard about this tragic accident early this morning. I am so very sorry for the loss of life, and the losses that loved ones all around the area must be going through tonight.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all who are effected by this tragic event.

[Mr. Carp]

Sad, Sad Day indeed. My thought go out to the familes. :depressed:

It just shows that sometimes no boat is big enough to battle Mother Nature during certain conditions. Terrible it had to happen like this.

Ryan

[Tacklebuster]

My prayers and thoughts go out to the family and friends of the ones that were lost.

Calm winds and gentle seas.........

[PapaHog]

Sad day indeed. My prayers go out for all involved.

I have been across that bar many times and never felt confortable. Now I may never cross it again.

:depressed: :depressed: :depressed:

[fishinnut30]

My 5 cent's !

I have been on the sea's for years, from commercial fishing in Alaska for years and on my personal craft. I have also fished with Doug as the Captain on the Tacki Too many time's.

I have and WOULD AGAIN trust my family in his hands. He was one of the best and very well respected on the sea.

My prayers go out to all tonite, this is a very sad day. I will miss my friend very much.

God Bless
Rich

[Lovestafish]

My thoughts & prayers go out for all involved, especially the family's of those on board. That Tillamook area is bad for 'sneakers' isn't it? A friend of mine lost her fiance` as they were walking along - a sneaker took him out to sea. That was bad enough - this is many times worse because it's more than one lost. Makes me realize nothing is ever guarenteed, and that we're not in charge of the sea... Jennie, hang in there!

[the bear]

have known and fished with doug for many years and have always had the highest regard for his boat handling skills,just goes to show you that no matter how good your ability's and equipment things can and will go wrong and your just at mother natures mercy when they do,my prays are with all the family's ,,,,,

[Stew]

How terrible :depressed: Thanks Jennie for keeping us posted on the latest. Fox news just reported a few of the names of those who perished. The ocean is a scarey place.

[gimmeumpqua]

A tragic day for all involved of course...goes without saying. But I have to itterate....11 foot seas today? No life vest requirements? I spent the day at Charleston....there was a minus 2.5 tide at 6:30a.m. which usually translates into very unpredictable bar conditions when the that baby ebbs and flows....a number of very experienced fisherman decided to stay put today....and thats at a relatively easy bar!

Unfortunately I think that the envelope was pushed...a business decision that will ultimately result in a legal feeding frenzy which will undoubtedly force more restrictions on charters, and perhaps private boaters.

Sorry all...I think this one could have been avoided no matter how unpredictable mother nature can be.

Kurt

[Point-of-Sale Clerk]

It is easy to sit and judge now what could have or should have been done. It is entirely different to make decisions with the dimness of foresight as opposed to the glaring brightness of hindsight. I would ask all to wait till we hear the conclusions of the NTSB before we accept hearsay as fact.

[STGRule]

Yes, please.

[Chrome Bumper]

Terrible news, my condolences and prayers to those involved.

That bar crossing is one of the least foregiving in the world and these occurances do happen.

It is congress's choice not to dredge the entrance there.

Would dredging have made a difference? Wearing PDFs? We will never know for sure. I'll wear mine though. No time to don them when a breaker is bearing down on you.

Will I cross the bar again? Yes,I hope to.

Very sorry.

[Paddlefish]

An extremely sad day for all those of us, whether we recognize the names of those sadly lost or not, who venture out in the morning via charter boat, canoe, neighbor's jet sled, SUV, hiking boots, or Grandpa's station wagon. As fishermen, we head out with the purest, most hopeful, sense of optimism. "THIS could be the day!" It's not supposed to go like this.

Deepest sympathies to families I didn't yet know, and thanks to the suddenly appointed rescuers who happened to be nearby and to the Coasties who couldn't help as much as they tried to. I'm sure you guys feel worse than any of the rest of us.

[Mikeymoto]

Gives me chills. A big prayer goes out to all touched by this accident. :depressed:

[love2fish]

There is live coverage on Fox News right now. Sad day on the coast.

love2fish

[Uglygreen]

"Accidents" may be accidental (as in I'm sure no one ever intends to have events like this happen), but take a second look at what we know. Perhaps we learn from it so as to give the loss meaning.

Boat capsized at 7:20 AM - Low tide at Barview was at 7:26 AM.

There was a large tidal exchange, one of the largest of the summer, going from a high of 8.8 ft to a low of minus 2.1 ft.

Knowing that on large exchanges the outflow lasts at least an hour past low, I suspect the crossing occured while the ebb was still pretty strong.

That is the worst possible time for a bar crossing.

The swells were unusally large, stonewall bank (50 miles south) was reporting 13.8 ft swells.

Those are the worst possible conditions for a bar crossing. Big swell and a large exchange at the bottom end of the ebb tide.

Coastguard statement said there were 15' breaking seas when the boat went out.

Once again the all of the people wearing life jackets survived and none of those that died had PFS's.

Im sure there is huge pressure on charter operators on weekend summertime days to fill the boats and make the trips happen. Although foresight may be dim, don't ever forget that so called "accidents" happen for real reasons, and this one looks to have been preventable. There is a lesson in that, the fish are not worth dying for.

On the Salty Dogs forum we cancelled the planned Depoe Bay rockfish trip(s) today for this very reason.

My prayers to the families and frends of the persons lost. Lets make sure there are no more this year.


UG

[husker]

lesson to all be careful on the high seas ......this is a very sad day.... :depressed: :depressed: :depressed: :depressed:

[Captain and Marie]

My phone is ringing off the hook too! CNN and coin 6 news.

Did a phone recording also!

Man I was nervous!

Well the phone is ringing again...gotta go!

Be safe out there!

Marie@TBC

[MasterCaster]

I have personally been out on this boat myself. It makes me sick to my stomach any time something like this happens. Just knowing stuff like this can happen at anytime is bad enough but having it happen to a boat I have personally been out on is definitely a very strange feeling to say the least.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the people aboard and their families. Very sad day. :depressed: :depressed:

Jon

[Jennie@ifish]

Master Caster, did you know Doug? I have heard that is the captain's name. Is he family? Write me if you have info.
Jen

[Scaup]

After a long day of working on the boat getting the latest upgrades ready for this season's offshore fishing and testing them on the water (which now no longer seem adequate) I got home and watched a little TV. While channel surfing the lead story on CNN Headline News was about a charter boat accident in Oregon. The report provided little information, but I knew that if I came here I could find out more.

So thank you Jennie for providing this site for those of us with connections to Oregon, but who (for whatever reason) are unable to take part in Oregon in all its natural beauty (and danger). This site provides us with the ability to rapidly learn about what is going on in our home state.

I know this had to be a very traumatic day for everyone involved. I offer my prayers to all those that have lost, suffered, or served today.

[Bill Monroe]

Ditto to Scaup for sure. There's just too much other news going on in the world to channel surf from so far away. And the nature of television is pretty fleeting anyway. I'll go downstairs in a bit and see if I can get a couple of papers in the hotel lobby, but doubt I'll find names and, in fact, even our contracted Web site doesn't have everything yet, to thanks Jennie...Glenda also sends a hug and thoughts for everyone.
Any names yet? I also didn't know other than rumor there were lifejackets worn at all. But *** also is right...have to wait for survivors' stories and the NTSB...and, I hope, the morning Oregonian.
Until then, this is pretty remarkable...staying in touch with a laptop in a Missouri hotel.
Still wish I were there covering it.

[Bill Monroe]

OK, found it on Oregonlive...Still wish I could read our version, but have a much better idea anyway...

[sinker]

Just found this on the Tacoma News Tribune's website.
There's names from all over the country but sadly, alot of them share the same last name.

http://www.tribnet.com/news/story/3299677p-3328938c.html

At least 9 die when boat flips
JOSEPH B. FRAZIER; The Associated Press

GARIBALDI, Ore. - A large wave flipped over a charter fishing boat carrying 19 people off the northern Oregon coast Saturday, killing at least nine, the Coast Guard said.

Rescue crews called off the search for the two people still missing at 9 p.m. Saturday, but planned to resume at dawn this morning, said Coast Guard Chief Steven McAloney. He said there was little chance the two would be found alive, because of frigid water temperatures.


The two still missing are Barry Sundberg of Cheney, Wash., and Tim Albus of Madras, according to the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, which released the names of those aboard the boat late Saturday night after all family members had been notified.


The eight people who survived were all from the Northwest: Tyler Bohnet of Canby; Mark, David and Chris Hamlett of Portland; Brian Loil of Vancouver, Wash.; Richard Forsman of Vancouver, Wash.; Dale Brown of Portland; and Cloverdale resident Tamara Buell, the daughter of the boat's owner.


The nine people who died are from across the country - Dennis Tipton and Kathy Corley, both of Ukiah, Calif.; Steve Albus of Ephrata, Wash.; Sigmud Bohnet, from somewhere in Florida; Edward Loil of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Larry Frick of Spokane; Terry Galloway of Portland; Richard Hidalgo of Green Bay, Wis.; and the boat's captain, Doug Davis, who lived in Garibaldi.


The 32-foot Taki Tooo capsized in 15-foot breaking surf as it sailed out of the bay past a 1,000-yard jetty shortly after 7 a.m., said Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Paul Painter.


Some of the survivors reached shore after swimming hundreds of yards, while firefighters found others bobbing in the shallow surf, said Garibaldi Fire Chief Mike Sheldon.


"There were people floating around in the water, and they were on the beach. Some of our personnel went in (the ocean) after them," Sheldon said.


Coast Guard Master Chief Lars Kent said other people on the beach, including the pastor of a local church, also helped pull people from the water.


Earl Werneke Jr., 29, of Rockaway, Ore., said he brought out three bodies and one young boy who was alive. "There was one I couldn't get to, I think he's one of the missing," he said.


Werneke said he and other civilian volunteers ended up doing most of the rescuing. "I think all and all, it was a weak effort here. We should be better prepared in this area," he said.


Kent said that although the boat was fully equipped with life vests, none of those found dead were wearing them. Some of those who survived were wearing the vests, including some who may have grabbed one after the boat flipped over and the devices were floating on the water, he added.


**** Buell, the boat's owner and father of survivor Tamara, watched from shore as the boat sank about three miles from its home port.


"A large wave hit the side of the Taki Tooo and it capsized, just swamped," said Buell, who runs Garibaldi Charters, a sport fishing company.


The boat flipped so quickly that the passengers probably didn't have time to jump clear, Buell said in a telephone interview. Buell said he considered Davis an experienced skipper.


A relative of Davis who answered his home phone in tears Saturday said, "He's not here. He died this morning."


Jeff Folkeme, owner of the Garibaldi Marina, a setting-off point for pleasure boat excursions, said he saw the Taki Tooo sailing past his dockside office Saturday morning.


"Everybody was all happy and jolly. They were going to go fishing," he said. "It was a normal day."


By midmorning, one body pulled from the water had been brought to the Tillamook Coast Guard station and eight others lay on the beach at Barview State Park just north of Tillamook Bay, 60 miles west of Portland, Painter said. The wreckage of the boat washed ashore along the jetty.


The area, known as the Tillamook Bay Bar, is treacherous, with high waves and swirling currents, Painter said. An excursion boat capsized there last summer, but nobody was killed, he said.


Tillamook County Sheriff Todd Anderson said a boat accident reconstruction group, composed of members of sheriff's offices throughout Oregon, had arrived at the scene to observe the condition of the boat and take statements from survivors.


The National Transportation Safety Board is also sending a team to investigate the accident.


Kent said there has been considerable shoaling - buildup of sand and silt - at the mouth of the jetty in recent years, and that it had not been dredged recently. That can increase surf and wave size at the bar.

[Seefood Man]

:depressed: If anything is to be said right now, I think it should be....Let's us pray.

[ 06-15-2003, 08:06 AM: Message edited by: Seefood Man ]

[Empire]

Lifejackets.

How many others join me in saying they did not wear a lifejacket on a charter boat?

Perhaps, in honor of those lost or injured in this incident, everyone can wear one asea for some time?

My condolences to everyone involved in this accident.

[bob-n-jig]

It is true....we all take things for granted...

last July, myself and 5 of my family members went out for a day of coho fishing out of Astoria......BAD BAR THAT DAY.....STUPID US.....DIDN'T PUT ON LIFE JACKETS......makes me wonder what would have happend if we had went over......all of us were in the cabin as well!!!!

IF YOU HAVE TO WEAR A SEATBELT IN A CAR....WHY SHOULDN'T YOU HAVE TO WEAR A LIFE JACKET IN A BOAT......

ALL YOU GUIDES CAN WHINE ABOUT MANDATORY(sp?)LIFE JACKETS.....BUT ARE YOU PREPARED TO GO THROUGH WHAT GARIBALDI CHARTERS IS ABOUT TO GO THROUGH!?!

[Miss B Haven]

I started wearing one 100% (well OK- not in the upper river all the time, but always in the Ocean or crossing the bar) of the time last year. The suspender types are just to easy/comfortable etc to have an excuse not to. :smile:
No law says you have to wear one but the skipper of a boat has the say. I make my crew wear a life jacket if the bar or ocean is rough. Don't like it, swim home! graemlins/berry.gif
It's a little strange that the folks who survived were all from the NW and most had LJ on. Ones who didn't (except the skipper) were out of State and no LJ. Maybe us Oregonians ain't as dumb as we look? :shrug:

[gimmeumpqua]

Ugly Green is correct. All emotions aside,we spend a lot of time on this board sharing valuable information about danger and safety, pros and cons, and hows and whens. The bottom line is that this boat flipped and people died because the captain-charter owners made a very stupid non-judgement decision to venture over a very dangerous bar at the worst possible time in about the worst possible conditions...for money over safety. Unfortunately a common scenario in this world.

We don't need an investigation to assign blame, and the praying we should be doing now is that all of us who venture into dangerous waters will have the sense to practice what we preach and put safety before profit or desire.

Kurt

[bob-n-jig]

INCORRECT!!!!!!
WE ARE NOT INVINCEABLE BECAUSE WE LIVE CLOSE TO THE BEACH
some of the dead, if fact, MOST OF THE DEAD ARE FROM OREGON OR WASHINGTON....

2 FROM UKIAH
1 FROM PORTLAND
1 FROM CENTRAL WASHINGTON
1 FROM SPOKANE
1 FROM GARIBALDI

AND THE 2 MISSING ARE ALSO FROM MADRAS, OR. AND CHENEY, WA.

SOUNDS LOCAL TO ME

ONLY A COUPLE FROM OUT OF STATE
1 FROM GREEN BAY, WI.
1 FROM FLORIDA
1 FROM IOWA

ALSO....JUST GOT NEWS A FAMILY OF 3 ALL MADE IT TOGETHER

[ 06-15-2003, 09:36 AM: Message edited by: bob-n-jig ]

[Straydog]

How tragic.

Good thoughts and best wishes to all involved.

Jen, you and all of the good folks involved in this horrible event remain hero's.

God bless all.

[Kruechief]

It really makes the feeling of today's Fathers Day solemn. Fathers and sons have been lost and will not be with their families.

It is a sad time and I'll pray for the families in church today.

Krue

[Fshklr]

My heartfelt sadness goes out to the families and friends of all involved. I heard of the tragedy while out in Astoria late afternoon and was sick to think that life was lost, and lives missing.
Many statements have been made as to use of pfd's and I holeheartedly agree they save lives. But with a swell or wave large enough to capsize a 30 + footer, and the element of surprise with no time to react, it is possible that even the pfd's might not have helped all wearing one. Some may have been rendered incapcitated from the sheer force of such a swell and even tearing a pfd from its user. Again I am sorry for those involved and the families that have lost loved ones. Truely a sad day for all. graemlins/hearton.gif
Please wear your pfd's

[ 06-15-2003, 09:15 AM: Message edited by: Fshklr ]

[Kentucky Hog Hunter]

Again, I posted this earlier but it is time for some changes. We all know now that the conditions were unfavorable and the captian made a business decision.

It was done and the results were obviously fatal for some and my heart aches for those individuals.

However, if more people were wearing the $100 insurance policy we would be possibly talking about a capsized boat and potentially 19 survivors instead of 8.

Please, if we do anything as a group here, lets put together a petition for the madetory usage of life vests while a vessel is underway. We have a mandetory seatbelt law in 50 states, lets set a prescident and put this into motion.

Again, my prayers and thoughts are with those families.

[Born to Fish]

This is a tragic and very sad day for us all. My heart aches for those families who have lost loved ones through this unfortunate accident.

I just got back from a fishing trip with my sons, fishing at Tillamook Bay and Astoria. Had originally planned a Saturday bottomfishing charter out of Garibaldi, but instead booked one out of Depoe Bay. As it turned out, cancelled that charter on Friday evening. Gives me the creeps. This could happen anywhere, and accidents can happen under ALL conditions.

Just one more argument for wearing the PFD's - all the time while on the water, or even bank fishing and wading under certain conditions. Granted PFD's may not always be the deciding factor in survival, but why make light of that and take them out of the equation? The new suspenders type inflatables are great - comfortable, and easy to get used to wearing. What a wonderful idea for a Fathers/or Mothers Day, or birthday gift.

Don't take things for granted folks. We've got a great bunch here - lets not lose any more fellow fishing comrades unnecessarily.

[ 06-15-2003, 09:30 AM: Message edited by: Born to Fish ]

[Fshklr]

Please remember this is a public site and possibly even the families including the wife and children of the skipper may be keeping up with this thread and have all they can handle right now. There was a terrible tragedy yesterday and statements should reflect that. Please refrain from blame and shouda, woulda, coulda statements.
graemlins/hearton.gif

[ 06-15-2003, 09:53 AM: Message edited by: Fshklr ]

[Jerry Dove]

Jen. Belive me you are a reporter. I can't think of any one that I know that could have put it any better than you did in your report. I heard of it while at Rhodes Pond. Living in a small community like Tillamook, your first thought is do I know them. We hear a siren blowing and we think who is it this time. Of course we knew the owners and crew of the boat, but not the fishermen. But you know what it does not make us feel any better. It is a sad day and will be for a long time. Are thoughts and prayers go out to all involved. Also to the folks that risked their lives trying to save others. Total strangers, tourist jumping in the cold waters and trying to help. I feel for these folks, they like you Jen will live with the terrible sights in there minds forever. It has been said so many times before PLEASE WEAR THOSE LIFE JACKETS! Belive me folks we not need to lose any more people. Please have a happy Fathers Day. Jerry

[swedetown nancy]

The best gift my husband ever got me was a Sterns life jacket that looks like a vest..it is also long enough and doesn't crawl up like some i have tried to use. I can barely swim, so i always use the vest. My prayers go out to the families. We will always remember.

nancy

[Jennie@ifish]

OHMYGOSH.

The Today Show just c c c c called and wants me on at 4 O clock in the morning for the show.

Do I say YES? ARGHHHHHHH I'm so stressed OUT!

With Katie! ARGH! HELP! Scream!

I am not cut out for this stuff.
:shocked: :hoboy: :hoboy: :shocked:

[Birdnest]

Jen,

Absolutely. You are a wonderful ambassador for all of us and would handle the whole thing with class and dignity.

Birdnest

PS Have fun chasin' them smallies!!! :tongue:

[Jennie@ifish]

Will someone go on chat with me?

http://www.ifish.net/chat.html

[lucky duck]

This is really a sad day. Tim Albus is the father of my son's friend who lives a couple houses down the street from us.

Our prayers go out to all invloved...

Chris

[rebell]

My prayers go out to all who are touched by this tragedy. Let's hope lessons are learned, so that it may never happen again!

God bless the people who challenge the sea!!!!!

[Pete]

The last couple days have been like a leaden cloud over me. I camped at Bar View Jetty Park over the weekend and arrived on the jetty Saturday morning minutes after the boat rolled. A fisherman who'd aborted his trip due to the rough bar was just returning from the beach where he said he'd pulled 5 people from the surf. He took one look at my 3 year old daughter and said, "you don't want to go down there, there are bodies all over the beach". I took his advice and turned around, torn by the desire to help fellow fishermen and the desire to protect my kid from the horrible scene. The chaos of the initial response gave way to the organized response of the sheriff, fire department and coast guard, but that order was surrounded all day by the circus of television satellite trucks, rubbernecking aircraft and the heavy concern that dominated every place I went; from the campground, Garibaldi grocery, the gas station and the Rhodes Pond clipping event. Thoughts of the people in the rolling boat, their thoughts, my thoughts the dozens of times I've been over that bar, of the fish I've caught in the location of the roll ... all day, all weekend and even now, images of what they must have felt and thought are front and center. None of us will know why this happened, but we can learn from it and make sure we take necessary precautions through learning about what might cause such a disaster and to avoid conditions that we aren't comfortable with and by protecting ourselves with PFDs whenever there is any possibility of a bad turn of events. My heart and thoughts are with the passengers and crew of the Taki-Tooo. There will be no physical memorial at the location of the accident, but in my mind, there will always be a clear image at the location where I saw the hull bobbing and breaching in the waves north of the north jetty.

[Jennie@ifish]

Too funny!

Amber at channel 8 had spoken with me yesterday. She gave Gloria, at the Today Show my name to interview.

Gloria called tonight to talk to me and asked me if I would be available for the show at 4:00 AM.
I said OK.

She said she would call back. Hmmm. No call. Meanwhile, I'm jumping at every phone call!

Finally, Amber, who seems very nice, called me back and said Gloria said it wasn't going to work out, and that she'd like Amber to pass on to me, "Thank you for offering to do the interview."

I said to Amber, "I didn't offer, she asked!" :smile: I think it's funny the tv-ease speak they use!
Anyway, I'm off the hook, and I'm going to get a wonderful night's sleep and then go fishing! :smile:

Pete, your post touched me. You captured a bit of what I've been feeling, also.

What a whirlwind of emotions. I felt guilty being "excited" at the chance of National TV for such a tragic event, anyhow. I was, however, looking forward to pushing the PFD issue on the show.

I have been on that bar without a life jacket more times than I care to think about. Many of us have. After all, you get so used to safe trips! It only takes once.

I have a feeling 'me and my PFD' are going to become very close.
Jen

[ 06-15-2003, 08:01 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[Capt. Hook]

When I got up yesterday morning I had every intention of signing on at 7:00 AM going by Barview as I do usually every day before work and watching the bar. I had no idea what was transpiring at the time. I decided instead to have breakfast and signed on at 8:15. All hell had broken loose by this time at Barview and I was told to proceed there and assist as needed.

I arrived shortly at Barview and was greeted by rescuers aiding and transporting victims, everyone up to their eyeballs in work. My assignment was to watch the beach approach and keep it clear for E vehicles and keep onlookers off the beach. The Taki was on it side out in the surf. Helos were circling and pulling victims from the surf. Rescue swimmers were getting hammered by huge waves as they hung onto their precious cargo. God bless and keep them!

The media had not yet arrived and when they did they gravitated to our position. I am no stranger to TV cameras and reporters but when they began asking for interviews I somehow felt I had not paid my dues on this one. I have worked car crashes, plane crashes and boat accidents but this one was different. We pointed out a young couple who had assisted victims ashore and were sitting there quietly watching the proceedings. They readily answered questions and it was obvious their lives were deeply affected by the events. Their answers and statements came from within with no prompting or coaching. I was impressed by their forthrightness and confidence in the face of a TV camera. I've seen professionals flush and go blank under lesser circumstances.

The media was unusually respectful of the people involved and went out of their way to accomodate.
They respected the boundaries we set up and went about their business.

One young man came down to the approach and asked if he could look at the boat. He said he was supposed to have gone on the boat and arrived just as they were about to leave. Two seats were left, one on the Taki and one on the D&D. A man he never met took the Taki and he chose the D&D. He watched in awe later as the Taki went over. His wife and infant had stayed on shore and she thought he was on the Taki. She ran to the beach looking for him among the survivors and could not get him on the cell phone. He could not hear his cell because the ocean was so rough. He said later he knew someone was looking out for him. As he walked up to his car I wished him a Happy Fathers Day.

A group of people holding hands approached and asked if they could walk down to the wreckage. I said no and then one said he had been on it with his Dad and he did not survive. We waved them through. As they walked down the beach one of the men walked into the surf and stood there with his head down. They then gathered at the boat briefly and came back up the beach. They were smiling and waved as they passed. An AP reporter asked me who they were. I hesitated then told him. He started toward them and then came back. He said he just could not invade their privacy right then. I thanked him.

I watched the 47 foot rescue boat bob in the surf, it's stern pitching high as it's bow as it rocked back and forth in the wild surf. The crew sat at their positions as if on a carnival ride. Brave men! The helo plucked a victim from the surf right in front of us and the swimmer braved huge battering waves as he held tight to his precious cargo. The sea was not going to get it back!

I thought about all the boat sinkings and memorials to those who perished in rescues and commercial fishermen who perished at sea. But has there ever been a memorial to those innocents
who bought their ticket to a day of fishing and never returned home? There should be.

Today I went to work, drove to Pacific City and went to a high point at the mouth of the Nestucca where I could see 20 miles out to sea. A 47 foot Coast Guard boat was heading south on a smooth sea. Just then I decided to turn on the radio and listen for traffic. "Pan Pan, Pan Pan, this is US Coast Guard Station Tillamook, After a sad day at Tillamook Bay The US Coast Guard is suspending the search for missing of the Taki-Tooo, pending further developments. This is US Coast Guard Tillamook, out."
The scanner went dead silent for several minutes.

I tuned to a blues station on the FM and went on patrol.

The last stanza from Tennyson's "Crossing the bar" echoed in my head.

For though from out our bourne of time and place
The flood may bear me far
I hope to meet my pilot face to face
When I have cross'd the bar.

[ 06-15-2003, 08:23 PM: Message edited by: Capt. Hook ]

[Miss B Haven]

This is so tragic Jennie :depressed: . If they put you on, use the time to push the PFD's. I've been wearing one since last year when I heard about Don. :depressed: I'll be watching at 7. Already made the national news, so sad. :depressed:
Too bad it takes a tragedy to make us all think about how precious life is huh? :whazzup:
Prayers for all the lost, survivers and families! :smile:

[corkyking]

I broke my shoulder a year or so ago and after two operations it is still very weak. I know that if I end up in the water I will be in trouble for swimming so I have been wearing my inflatable vest everytime I've gone out.

I bought two of them 3 years ago and packed them around on a hanger in my car 'til last year. Just in case ya' know?
It occured to me that it is so easy I don't know why I haven't always worn it. It has been easier to get used to than my seatbelt but I'm used to that now too.

"There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot."
Steven Wright (1955 - )

[Jennie@ifish]

<rendered speechless>
:depressed:

[sinker]

Just remember something about the inflatable vests.
Most of them you have to pull a cord to work them. Most deaths at sea result from being knocked over the head and then thrown in the drink.
If you're knocked out, you ain't going to pull that string.
It might make you feel better knowing you have it on, but odds are, when you need it, you'll be just as dead.

[Miss B Haven]

Sinker- this is not true. You either buy the manual or you buy the automatic (which all have a manual). There is no "most" about it. Spend a few bucks more and get the auto, you're covered. :cheers:

[sinker]

I didn't make myself clear.
Most of the ones people buy are the manual type.

[Stew]

Amazing insight Joe. Thanks for sharing that

[Albacore Tuna Captain]

"I have been on that bar without a life jacket more times than I care to think about. Many of us have. After all, you get so used to safe trips! It only takes once.

I have a feeling 'me and my PFD' are going to become very close."

Very well said Jen! But at what point do we decide to don a PFD? I feel very strongly about what happened yesterday and I must speak out. It is a tragedy that should not have happened. It was not a freak accident caused by circumstances beyond anyones control.

Reasonably it is a good idea to wear a PFD whenever you venture onto the ocean and are confronted with sea conditions that could capsize your vessel. But maybe if the sea conditions are severe enough to concern you enough to don you PFD, why not just stay in port?

There is no doubt that all or most of these people would have survived if they were wearing a PFD. We require seat belts in cars for much the same reason we should require PFD wearing in boats. Accidents happen and most accidents are caused by someones lack of knowledge and experience and in some cases, recklessness. A PFD should be worn by everyone when crossing a questionable bar.....when coming in. If it is questionable going out.....DON'T GO!!

Should we require everyone who ventures onto the ocean to wear a PFD? No, that is not reasonalble, you wouldn't expect someone on a cruise ship to were one though they do sink at times. ships are commanded by licensed masters who have been tested and commissioned to operate their vessels and are expected to do it in a safe manner. So passengers are not required to wear PFD's all the time, only when necessary.

Charter boat captains are license Masters commissioned exactly the same as a ship master. Only the tonnage is different. Charter boat captains are expected to operate their vessels in a safe manner just as a cruise ship captain.

My vessel is 55 foot with a large hurrican type bow and well designed to handle severe seas. I have seen many bad bars and not crossed them because I don't have to prove anything to anyone. I have stayed out overnight to avoid crossing a bad bar. I have stayed in port to avoid crossing a bad bar. I feel responsible for my passengers and have a level of professionalism that demands I operate my vessel in a safe manner.

My passengers pay to go to sea in a safe vessel that has been inspected by the Coast Guard and certified to meet the minimum standards set for safety under most conditions. My passengers are ignorant in most cases of the dangers involved and TRUST their lives to me. With that trust comes a high level of responsibility on my part to operate my vessel "safely".

I know all the charter boat captains in Newport and I know they all feel the same as me. Yesterday, no charter vessel crossed the Newport bar until after the tide changed and the bar became safe. Newport has the safest bar on the Oregon coast and is dredged regularly. But yesterday was the lowest tide of the year and the swell of 15 to 18 foot was extremely dangerous. So no charter boat out of Newport crossed until it was safe! Nobody felt we were chicken!

SO WHY DID THE TWO BOATS THAT MADE IT OUT AND THE ONE THAT CAPSIZE TAKE SUCH A RECKLESS CHANCE ON THE WORST BAR ON THE OREGON COAST UNDER THE WORST CONDITIONS DURING THE WORST TIDE OF THE YEAR???!!! Two got away with it, one did not.

For any captain to boast of their ability to handle a bad bar is foolish and shows a level of over-confidense and lack of maturity that is dangerous! For any captain to attempt to cross any bar that was in the state of the Tillamook bar yesterday at the time they crossed is highly questionable. For innocent people to lose their lives when all the charter boat had to do is wait an hour for the tide to change is absolutely needless. For any captain to push the edge of the envelope and get away with it, is recklessness. To not get away with it is criminal.

I am sampathetic to those who lost someone yesterday, especially the families of the passengers.

The attitudes of all the captains in the charter industry need to reflect a level of professionalism akin to those of airline pilots. They are being trusted with the lives of innocent people and they have no right to risk their lives for the sake of proving how good they are at handling a bad bar.

Charter boat captains have no right to push the edge of the envelope!!!

Captain Mike Stowe

[corrirod]

graemlins/applause.gif

[Uglygreen]

Right on captain - Agree 1000%

UG

[ 06-15-2003, 09:48 PM: Message edited by: Uglygreen ]

[RvW]

I'd like to hear how many people have waited for a "dangerous occasion" to put on a PFD and actually NEEDED it at that very moment. I dont think it happens.

Point being, WEAR IT ALL THE TIME!...As stated, "it only takes once" why wait for that "once" to rear its ugly head? As we've seen here this past week, and many times before, theres little or no warning.

[skrimmy]

Captain Stowe, that could not have been better said. I'm very saddened and troubled about what happened yesterday and my heart goes out to all the family and loved ones of the victims. It's tragic that lives were lost needlessly. Please folks, wear your PFD's, nobody who cares about you will think less of you for it and the rest, who cares what they think? Wear them, be safe.

[Capt. Hook]

Capt. Stowe, You are a brave man and a wise skipper. Thanks! Nuff said. graemlins/applause.gif

[fishinfarmer]

I am saddened to hear of this. My thoughts and prayers are w/ all involed and the families they belong to. :depressed:

[Deleted User]

Sad thing to hear or evem think about. But my prayers go ot to the famlies and all the pepole that acted in a brave manner to helpsave and pull victims from the water.

May they be fishing in the river of heaven.

[Mr. Carp]

Well said Captain!! graemlins/applause.gif Everything you said was exactly right.

[TundraIII]

Well said Capt. Stowe, and thanks for saying what many of us were thinking. graemlins/applause.gif

[CATCH AND EAT]

Folks that fish with me know that they have to wear a life jacket when they go out ocean fishing. No exceptions. Not worth taking a risk. Should be manditory.

My opinion is this. Use good judgement. Know your tides. And WEAR your equipment folks. A little discomfort can cause you to live a long and happy life. My life has been saved once as a kid on a lake in Colorado because my dad insisted everyone in the boat wear a life jacket. Thank you dad. graemlins/applause.gif

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of this tradegy.

[lost_sailor]

The COAST GUARD ROCKS!

graemlins/applause.gif

It's horrible, but could have been worse. Maybe charters will encourage PFDs a little more. Man, you just don't expect this to happen to a charter boat. :depressed:

[peter frederick]

My heart and prayers are out for the familys, and all of those involved. :depressed: :depressed: :depressed: :depressed: :depressed: :depressed:

[Steelerdan]

I've been watching all the reports and reading all the posts here and it makes me proud to be a part of Ifish.
My heart and thoughts also go out to all who were involved.

[CAPT KUJO]

Jen,

Now you see why you have a dry suit. Never even think of going out on the big pond without your suit on and "zipped up"!

CAPT KUJO

[Tilla]

Exactly Capt'n Albacore, well said!

[lucky duck]

Well said Captain. graemlins/applause.gif I have been on many charters and would not bat an eye at a cancellation or delay because of weather or rough bar/seas. I beleive all trips are "weather permitting" and that includes seas.

I was on a trip out of Ilwaco one time and were delayed two hours because of a rough bar. Nobody complained.

Thanks

Chris

[cannonball]

Any word on victims names? Im from Cheney and could likley know a victim.

[24 on/ 48 off]

I'm sure if you surfed a few news websites, you could find the list.

--spud-- :smile:

[TideRipper]

Cannonball - Here is a news site out of Spokane that talks about one of the missing men. He is from Cheney WA. His name is Barry Sundberg.

web page (http://www.kxly.com/common/getStory.asp?id=29369)

Let us hope they find these two soon. Their families are really hurting right now. :depressed:

[ 06-16-2003, 11:57 PM: Message edited by: TideRipper ]

[Born to be Wild]

Glad to hear you are not one of the "big wave" guys that push the envelope. Hope some of the others (and there are many) will learn from this and follow suit.

Dan

[GutZ]

Capt Hook
Capt Stowe

Thank You for Sharing your insight.

May they RIP.