'Deadliest Catch' responds to crab boat accident that killed 3: 'We feel deeply saddened by the news'
Discovery has released a statement following the tragic news that a Dungeness crab fishing boat was involved in a fatal accident Tuesday night. The Mary B II capsized while crossing the Yaquina Bay bar in Newport, Ore., killing three fishermen onboard. Despite earlier reports, the boat was never featured on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch: Dungeon Cove.
“We feel deeply saddened by the news, as we feel part of the crabbing community,” the network tells Yahoo in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and the entire community during this difficult time.”
The Mary B II asked for a Coast Guard escort while crossing the bar, when the three fisherman went into the water. According to local news station KGW8, the bar was closed to all boats except those with licenses, like the Mary B II, due to the weather conditions. Authorities say crews faced 12- to 14-foot waves as they tried to rescue those on board. James Lacey, 48, Joshua Porter, 50, and the boat’s skipper, Stephen Biernacki, 50, were found dead.
“We did everything we could. Unfortunately, it was just a tragic outcome, and our hearts and thoughts are with the family and friends of the crew,” Petty Officer Levi Reed of the U.S. Coast Guard told a local CBS affiliate.
[Editor’s note: This post was originally published Jan 9, 2018 at 4:53 p.m. ET.]
