F/V Midnight Sun; Humboldt Bay, California

Humboldt Bay, California | 1987-Dec-02

Initial Notification: The 72-foot fishing boat, Midnight Sun, was carrying approximately 4,000 gallons of number 2 diesel fuel when it capsized in 25-foot seas just outside of Humboldt Bay at 0835 on December 2, 1987. The vessel had lost all power as it was steaming close in, approximately 1 mile off shore. The skipper planned to salvage parts of the vessel when the winds and seas died down. The captain of the vessel was able to don a life jacket and was rescued several hours later, but three other fishermen drowned when a large wave washed them overboard without life jackets. Their bodies were recovered the following day. USCG district 12.