Tragedy Strikes: Fatal Incident on Tug Boat Near Ketchikan Claims Two Lives
Tragic Incident on Tug Boat Near Ketchikan Claims Two Lives
A confined space incident on a tug boat near Ketchikan resulted in the loss of two crew members. The U.S. Coast Guard received a distress call reporting that four crew members were unresponsive in a confined space on the Waynehoe barge, located 25 miles northwest of Ketchikan. The Coast Guard dispatched a crew from Coast Guard Station Ketchikan to assist. One crew member was recovered deceased, while two others were rescued from the confined space. The barge was towed to a pier in Ketchikan, where the body of the second deceased crew member was later recovered.
The two crew members who lost their lives in the incident were identified as 21-year-old Ben Fowler from Sitka and 28-year-old Sidney Mohorovich from Washington state. Ben Fowler's sister, Juel Fowler, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her brother, describing him as a small-town Alaska boy who enjoyed outdoor activities like fishing. Ben Fowler had been involved in commercial fishing since the age of 12 and was known for his cheerful and energetic personality.
Captain Stanley Fields of Sector Southeast Alaska emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough investigation into the incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He highlighted the dangers of confined spaces on vessels, which can harbor invisible hazards. The two surviving crew members are in stable condition, and the cause of the incident is currently under investigation.
As more information becomes available, updates on the incident will be provided. The South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department has been contacted for additional details but has not responded at this time. The Coast Guard is dedicated to understanding the circumstances surrounding the deaths and implementing measures to enhance safety onboard vessels.
The loss of two crew members in the confined space incident is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with maritime operations. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the deceased crew members during this difficult time.