The State - News from Feb. 9, 1986

At least five people were drowned and four others were reported missing after a sudden Pacific swell rocked a charter fishing boat and spilled at least 30 of its 48 passengers into icy ocean waters of Bodega Bay in Northern California. Two Coast Guard helicopters and two patrol boats continued to search the area, less than a mile offshore, where the 65-foot Mary Jane was struck by a 16-foot wave. Authorities said 21 people were brought ashore and treated at four Sonoma County hospitals for injuries ranging from broken bones to back, shoulder and abdominal injuries. Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputies said the boat was about half a mile from land, homeward bound after a day’s fishing, and most of the passengers and three crewmen were on deck when the wave struck.