Four Die as Fishing Boat Sinks in Calm Seas; Five Rescued

Coast Guard helicopters plucked five people from the Pacific Ocean on Friday and recovered the bodies of four others after their charter fishing boat apparently sank in calm seas.

Helicopter crews spotted the victims and debris from the boat about 60 miles from the coast, said Coast Guard Seaman Veronica Cady at the public affairs office in Seattle. She said searchers spotted some debris but did not know what happened to the vessel.

The 45-foot Cougar, owned by Depoe Bay Sports Fishing & Charter, had been hired for a day of tuna fishing. It was equipped with citizens band and marine radios, but no distress calls had been monitored on any frequencies, Coast Guard Capt. Michael Lovett said.

Lowell Schlesser, owner of the charter company, said the crew included two experienced skippers.