After 21 coordinated searches, which covered 5,730 nautical miles, the U.S. Coast Guard has officially suspended the search for the F/V Destination and its 6 crew members.
The vessel went missing early Saturday after sending an emergency signal from a radio beacon.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the six crewmembers during this extremely difficult time,” Rear Adm. Michael McAllister, Coast Guard 17th District commander said in a Coast Guard statement. “The decision to suspend a search is always difficult and is made with great care and consideration.”
This incident is just a sad reminder that no matter how skilled and experienced a crew is, sometimes things just go wrong.
“It’s a good boat and they are all seasoned guys,” said Captain Johnathan Hillstrand from the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. “Something bad happened – one thing lead to another and it’s a chain reaction.”
The search for F/V Destination has been permanently suspended by the Coast Guard. All 6 crew members are presumed dead. #komonews pic.twitter.com/PufWmRUXWr
— Kara Kostanich (@KaraKostanich) February 14, 2017
The worst thing about the entire situation is the not knowing what happened. People can speculate, but at the end of the day there’s still a great deal of mystery surrounding this tragic situation.
Michael Barcott, the attorney who represents the owners of the Destination, released the following statement:
“The owners of the DESTINATION understand that the Coast Guard has suspended its search for the DESTINATION and her crew. We thank the Coast Guard, all of the Good Samaritan vessels, and people of St. George Island who worked so long and hard to try to find our crew. These efforts were in the finest tradition of the sea. These men were professionals. Our hearts are broken for their loved ones who are now left with the certainty of this tragic sinking. We will work with the Coast Guard to attempt to understand what occurred with the hope that whatever can be learned will be used to help prevent such an event from happening again. Please keep these men and their families in your prayers.”
A tribute continues to grow at the Seattle fishermen's memorial for the crew of the F/V Destination #komonews pic.twitter.com/OtWD4KSvAz
— Thomas Lin (@TLinNEWS) February 14, 2017
