UPDATED: Rescuers Search for Man Overboard Near Unimak Island
Wednesday, March 12 2014
The F/V Seeker pictured in 2006. /Courtesy: marinetraffic.com
Updated, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday: The Coast Guard is still searching for a mariner who fell overboard from a fishing vessel near Unimak Island Wednesday morning.
The man fell from the F/V Seeker, 10 miles northwest of Unimak Island, according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Grant DeVuyst. The Seeker is a 98-foot trawler out of Newport, Oregon.
DeVuyst says the Coast Guard was alerted to the incident by the good Samaritan fishing vessel Seafreeze Alaska, a 296-foot trawler-processor based in Seattle. DeVuyst says several other vessels searched unsuccessfully for the mariner before a helicopter crew got to the scene.
"I'm not sure exactly ... whether they saw someone in the water or just noticed he was missing," he says. "We just know that there was a report of a man in the water, so our number one priority was to get a helicopter in the air and get them over the area to start searching."
The Coast Guard sent an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Cold Bay, where it's forward-deployed for the fishing season. DeVuyst says the helicopter made one initial search and had to come back to refuel before making another attempt.
As of around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, DeVuyst says the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley had arrived on scene to start searching. The Jayhawk crew had returned again to Cold Bay. DeVuyst says the cutter's MH-65 Dolphin helicopter is off the vessel due to weather concerns, but it's ready to deploy from the ground if needed. The cutter is expected to search into the evening.
"There's some rough weather out there, which of course just makes a search more difficult," he says.
DeVuyst says there were eight- to 10-foot seas on scene when the cutter arrived.
Marine forecasts for the Unimak Island area show a gale warning and a heavy freezing spray warning through Thursday. Snow and winds up to 40 mph are also forecasted.
Jim on Saturday, March 15 2014:
Trident Seafoods is matching donations 2 to 1 from Trident employees. Money goes to the family of Eric Eder. Although Trident employee donations are matched by Trident Seafoods, you don't have to be a Trident employee to donate. The site has raised about $30,000 thus far and I am certain it will be much more. The site is:
http://www.gofundme.com/7ic70w
andrew on Friday, March 14 2014:
I personally long line fish up in Alaska on the F/V Blue Pacific. In the 12 years I have fished, have never seen anyone go overboard. Yet it is the worst fear for anyone that works on the Bering Sea. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and all who are lost at sea. There is a reason why fishermen are second to none. Not many can do what we do.
Bill @ Jodi Flescjer on Friday, March 14 2014:
Excuse me but in reality "praying" is an activity that provides no help. Consoling, bringing food, sponsoring a memorial fund can actually help families get through grief. People "pass away" and many many times when you don't expect it. 239 passengers on a flight recently, 2000+ in Hurricane Katrina back in 05, . “When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”
Ted Johnson on Friday, March 14 2014:
thoughts and prayers for the family, crew and friends having fished I know your heartache at losing your husband , father and crew mate may he be at peace
Jodi Flescjer on Thursday, March 13 2014:
Yes I posted my full name. I don't care!! You people need to have compassion for Eric's family and friends. Let's not make this a debate on how long you can survive in the bearing sea. His family I'm sure will read these and its rude. This is very heartbreaking maybe pray for his wife and 2 very very young babies. Pray for his crew family as they are FAMILY. Just because the news doesn't mention something doesn't mean it didn't happen. Of course everyone was looking for him obviously you don't have a clue about how close crews are out there. Close enough to not be called a crew but family. Pull your heads out of you ass for just a minute and pray for this family I stead of tear this article to pieces.
Leslie Penny on Thursday, March 13 2014:
Actually, Ridiculousness's comment is not that unrealistic. Yes, he was crass in saying deploying a helicopter is ridiculousness. But the part of him saying you can't survive more than 6 minutes without a dry suit or Mustang suit is not that far off base. If the waters are around 32° F (0° C, time until exhaustion or unconsciousness is under 15 minutes. http://www.backcountrysafaris.com/info/hypothermia.php This individual may very well be in the Coast Guard and knows what he is talking about and is being practical. Again, his helicopter comment wasn't nice but is he speaking realistically? We don't know.
Under 15–45 minutes
My names Bill on Thursday, March 13 2014:
The point was - the article does not mention the boat crew of F/V/ Seeker themselves looking for the man.... Sorry - people die, yet once gone they are gone for good - have lost many friends and family and seen many die in war, in automobiles, in fires...it happens and you need to accept it.
Recant - you lose consciousness from 6-12 minutes but may "survive" up to 45 minutes.
Water Temperature Expected Time Before Exhaustion or Unconsciousness Expected Time of Survival
(°F) (°C)
32.5° 0.3° < 15 minutes 45 minutes
32.5–40° 0.3–4.4° 15 – 30 minutes 30 – 90 minutes
Fisheries Observer on Thursday, March 13 2014:
Dear Ridiculousness,
Can't survive over six minutes in the water? Please explain to me how an observer survived 2 HOURS in the water after the Galaxy sank a couple of years ago. I think she would have something to say about not being able to survive more than six minutes. And, I have a captain fishing buddy that fell overboard when he started fishing in the 1980s and he treaded water until his boat turned around and got him (which took more than 6 minutes).
Also, the statistic for an exposure suit is closer to 16 hours if you're in the water.
Regardless, this person has a family. A mother, a father, sister/brother, aunt/uncle, kids, a wife? Even if the Coast Guard only deployed for recovery that FAMILY deserves a chance. How dare you. What if it was your kid? Your parent?
You obviously are not part of the fishing family because you would know that EVERY boat in the vicinity that heard the mayday call would have been searching. You would also have enough respect for the family to keep your trap shut and say your prayers.
Dena on Thursday, March 13 2014:
Ridiculousness, thanks for permission to NOT search if it is ever you (God forbid). That will save some resources. May God bring about a miraculous ending for this man, and may comfort and healing abound to this his family. I pray that Jesus will wrap His arms around all those touched by this, and that the Lord will choose to show His saving power through this.Amen
Melissa on Thursday, March 13 2014:
1. Post something like that, then why not have the courage to use your real name Ridiculousness????? 2. NOBODY who has loved one's on the ocean, or who knew Eric could ever be sooooo disrespectful. That man spent his life on the ocean and not only that he was a wonderful person, his family deserves every effort at recovery. 3. GOD performs miracles daily who are you to judge or comment whether or not Eric could have been rescued!!!!! I wish I could express completely with words how disgusting your comment really is. Sincere sympathy to Eric, and everyone who loved him. I know we all share some great memories together, and no matter what horrible comments some idiots will make those memories will always be a great reminder of what a great person E was!!!!!
Elijah on Thursday, March 13 2014:
I have personally fished on the Seeker and in Alaska with that band of brother I always compared it to being in the military only one who has walked that path knows what it is like up there I also know the skipper on the vessel and many others I know that they are doing what they can to search for him I didn't know Eric but my heart goes out to him his family and friends fair winds and following seas brother.
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Chrisk121 on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
Ridiculousness you are an idiot!! I've spent more than 6 min in that water and I'm alive... Explain that! In a rhetorical sense... I think everybody would appreciate your silence spoken or written thank you...
Josh alaska fishermen of same fleet on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
Ridiculousness I assume you are not apart of the fishing community or any way connected. I know a few men myself and have read and heard about many men who have survived longer then your numbers you have gotten from "perfect storm". The fishing has came to a hault to search for Eric. Because finding him is more important then numbers, whether it be numbers in money or minutes. May The Lord be with Eric, his family, the coast guard and the fellow brave men searching for him. That is a husband, father, son, and brother out there, not a statistic!
Vicki Quinn on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
Eric was not only my nephew he was an amazing brother to Shelly and the best Husband to Adrienne. He excelled at parenting and was so looking forward to building his dream home for his family. Recently I visited him in Redmond and saw him on top of the world. Today our heart sank as the sea took him away. He loved his grandfather Larry wtih his whole heart. They fished and crabbed together often. Today, the day Eric left our world he joined his Granndpa in Heaven, it happens to be his Grandpa's bday.. We have no words at this time accept to say, dont waste time to be with the people you love because you never know when its the last time... Cast off Eric... and we all will have your family in our hearts, homes and lives.forever and ever.. there are no words for how sad we are.... Love you so, Auntie
Kim on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
All of the wives and families in his home fleet are hurting tonight and you "ridiculousness" hide behind your computer and say that he could not make it. We are all praying for a miracle that he is found and found alive! He has 2 very young children and a wife! How could you so harshly say those things? I truly hope that you never have to go through a tragedy like this. You're very lucky you have your computer to hide behind. If you were to be saying this about my husband, the father of our 3 young children, or my one of my brothers, who are all fishing this season to feed their families, you would be thankful I couldn't find you.
Barbara on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
I am the mother of 3 brave young Alaskan fishermen all with young families and babies on the way. I know deep in my heart that the men my son's crew along with and any fishermen for miles around would be there for my son's! Please know your words hurt at a time this family is already hurting beyond words!
ray taylor on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
I have personally pulled different people who have been in water,,up there,,, longer than 2 hours. one person may not make it,,another will. I was down for around three hours. It was three days after being in hospital,,before my hands quit shacking,,,a week before by body would not have convultions,at least twice a day. lasted for another two weeks... 30 years ago.... tell me you can not make it.
cloudsinmotion on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
People have survived incredible times in those waters. Attitude is critical. The stories of the survivors are told over and over again to drive it home. Don't panic. Keep thinking. Believe that you are going to get back on dry land, that you will see your family again and you just might. The story they told us in training was a man that survived his boat sinking, he drifted for parts of a week in the water, then he survived a month on one of those desolate islands all broken up. Especially so close to land, I bet they resume searching just as soon as they are able to.
Kara on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
My prayers are with his family and friends. I feel very sorry for you ridiculousness, what a hopeless heart you have.
DeeAnne on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
I'm pretty sure ridiculousness... That every boat out there is looking what do you think his crew is doing that is like there brother/family they r frantically looking!! This is someone's daddy!! Your name says so much about your character! ❤⚓🙏
Debbie on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
Hey Ridiculousness - It has happened before. People have survived way past what you are told they can. There are miracles. They can't give up looking for him, not this soon. You need to get a life with some compassion in it. What if it was you or a friend or family member?
Unalaska Resident on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
All planes cancelled today so the conditions near Unalaska are not good. I am thankful for the Coast Guard that serves our little community, and pray they make it back safe, for the crew & crew member in distress, and their family.
Ashley on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
Are you crazy?!?!? I know this man. Wouldn't you want people to search if it was your family??? And by the way, his boat and 6 others stopped working and are looking for him. The fishing comunity is one family, and yes I'm part of that fishing family! My husband runs a boat up there! This man has a 5 year old and a one month old, an amazing wife and family and many friends that love him. How dare you! You should be ashamed of yourself!
Jamie on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
Wow "Ridiculousness"...where is your compassion? The person out in the water is someones son/brother/father/husband...wouldn't you want all means necessary out looking if it was your loved one? Even if it turned just into a recovery mission instead of a rescue mission? And how do you know the boat he was on isn't looking. I'm sure any and all vessels anywhere close to that area are looking for this man, it's just the way we do things around here.
Ridiculousness on Wednesday, March 12 2014:
You cant survive over 6 minutes in the water - maybe 25 with a mustang suit. Deploying a helicopter is ridiculousness.
Where are the other crew from the actual boat that reported the man missing ? - and why aren't they looking?