Deaths Of Three Fishermen Brings Mourning, Aid For Families

PORTLAND, OR – The death of three crab fishermen Tuesday night has sparked an outpouring of grief as well as fundraisers to help the families of those killed. The Mary B II capsized on Tuesday night, killing the skipper and two crew members.

Captain Stephen Biernacki and his friend, James Lacey were on board as well as Joshua Porter.

Bienacki and Lacey had moved to Oregon from New Jersey – Biernacki had bought the boat and named it after his mother, Mary. Porter was from Oregon.

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The three of them were returning with a boat full of crab and were attempting to cross the Yaquina Bay bar during high seas.

The boat got rolled by the waves. A Coast Guard effort to find them was successful but too late. All had died.

The Coast Guard is still investigating the incident.

Now, the fishing community of Newport is coming together to raise money for the families of the tree.

Newport is the home of the largest commercial fishery in Oregon and has a strong fishing community that's been around for more than 100 years.

The Newport Fishermen's Wives is a non-profit that says it was set up to "a strong sense of community helping to further the causes of industry, safety, seafood education, and family support."

The group wrote on their Facebook page that "right now we are taking donations for the loved ones devastated by this tragedy. You can mail your donation to Newport Fishermen’s Wives, PO Box 971, Newport, OR 97365 or go onto our website and click on the donate button http://www.newportfishermenswives.com/order

If you or someone you know are struggling with this loss please call Lincoln County Mental Health 541-574-5960 there are people there that want to help and are waiting to take your call."

The tragedy came just as Newport was preparing a send off for the Newport-based boats that are heading to Alaska for their season.

While many boats in the area participate in Discovery Networks "Deadliest Catch" franchise, the network released a statement Thursday saying the Mary B II had not been one of them.

Fundraisers have also been set up on GoFundMe to help the families of two of the three members of the crew – James Lacey and Josh Porter.

Photo via the United States Coast Guard.