At 1820 hours on Sunday, January 24, crab boat F/V SUNUP issued a distress call to the United States Coast Guard. According to the crew, the vessel developed propulsion issues, lost control, and allided with the south jetty entering Humboldt Bay, California.
Coast Guard Station Humboldt Bay deployed a motor lifeboat and a helicopter to assist. Within ten minutes, F/V SUNUP was mostly submerged, and one crewmember was already in the water. All three crew were rescued by the motor lifeboat. The vessel was a total loss.
This incident demonstrates the dangers faced by commercial fishermen who work aboard fishing vessels in California. BOATLAW, LLP has represented commercial fishermen along the west coast for over forty years. The firm’s admiralty lawyers have a unique understanding of the perils faced by these mariners.
Source: The Maritime Executive
