Charter Boat Bullfrog Sinks Off Oregon Coast

Everyone onboard the boat was rescued.

Photo: USCG

(TILLAMOOK, Ore. ) - Coast Guard Captain Patrick Gerrity, Captain of the Port, Portland, Ore., is stressing safe operation of all vessels in Oregon waters, after the sinking of the charter vessel Bullfrog early Saturday and the investigation and events leading up to the sentencing of charter boat captain Richard Oba for Seaman's Manslaughter.

At 6:38 AM Saturday, the charter boat Bullforg sank 10-miles off the coast of Tillamook, Ore., after the vessel began taking on water with eight people on board.

All were rescued by the crew of the charter vessel D and D after the crew of the Bullfrog sent out a distress call.

Gerrity also discussed Friday's sentencing of Richard Oba for Seaman's Manslaughter.

Oba was the master of the 38-foot charter boat Sydney Mae II when the boat was struck by a large wave and sank off the Umpqua River Bar, September 19th, 2005, killing three passengers.

William Harris, 57, of Springfield, Ore., Virgina Strelow, 63, of Reedsport, Ore., and Paul Turner, 76, of Boise, Idaho died as a result of the sinking of the Sydney Mae II.

Oba and passenger Jim Parker, of Eugene, Ore., were rescued by crews from Coast Guard Station Umpqua River after the accident.

Oba was sentenced in federal court, Friday, to six years in prison for Seaman's Manslaughter, which is believed to be the longest sentence ever handed down for a case of this type, according to the Department of Justice.

"The seas and river bars can be extremely dangerous," Gerrity said. "Although, the vast majority of commercial operators in Oregon have excellent records and work closely with the Coast Guard in maintaining the highest level of safety, yesterday's sentence will demonstrate to those captains who operate their boats in a hazardous or reckless manner that they will be held accountable."

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