On Tuesday around 10 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard was escorting a boat previously featured on Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch: Dungeon Cove” when it capsized.
The Mary B II overturned off the coast of Newport, Oregon near Yaquina Bay bar, an area the show previously described as dangerous.
The boat was being escorted by the Coast Guard due to rough waters when it capsized with three crew members aboard.
Rescuers had to fight through 12 to 14-foot seas to try and save the men, the Coast Guard said.
#USCG Air Facility Newport and Station Yaquina Bay boat crews responding to 3 fishermen in the water after commercial fishing vessel Mary B II capsizes while crossing Yaquina Bay Bar. Crews battling 12 to 14-foot seas. pic.twitter.com/vmyB2K6J8b
— USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) January 9, 2019
Sadly, all three members of the crew lost their lives.
James Lacey, 48, was found in the water and pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Joshua Porter, 50, was found on a nearby beach and died at the scene, KPIC reports.
The boat’s skipper, Stephen Biernacki, 50, was found dead in the vessel. Petty Officer Levi Read said:
“Coast Guard was on scene quickly, even as it happened, as vessel’s crew had asked for escort across the bar, so we were there very quickly. Unfortunately we were not able to recover them.”
Read said that the area where the boat was in is known to be dangerous and that the Coast Guard worked hard to save the crew members:
“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.”
Discovery has not released a statement regarding the incident.