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Search for boat crew called off
Thursday, December 21, 2006 3:11 PM PST
Search-and-rescue personnel formally called off the search Tuesday for four commercial fishermen on the F/V Ash, which overturned Saturday afternoon near the Rogue River, though some volunteers plan to continue searching the beaches.
The Ash, on one of its first voyages to sea after being refurbished as a Dungeness crab boat, was struck by two big waves just after it crossed the river bar, according to witnesses. Only a life raft, two survival suits and debris from the boat have been found. The fishermen lost at sea were owner Rob Ashdown, 44, of Port Orford; and crewmen Mark Wagner, 40 and Josh Northcutt, 30, both of Port Orford; and 39-year-old Louis Lobo, of Las Vegas.
Families and friends are dealing with the tragedy and the Port Orford community has rallied to support them. Four accounts have been established at the Chetco Federal Credit Union for the families of the men lost at sea and a memorial fund has been set up at Sterling Savings Bank for the men. Fishing industry entities also have made donations in support.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Sixes River Grange. The Port Orford Volunteer Fire Department and Sixes River Rural Fire Protection District members and volunteers will hold a processional through Port Orford prior to the service, at 10 a.m.. |