06/25/2018
Attention all Miss Anita Fishing Charter Friends.
Yesterday was a very sad Day here in Bodega Bay. We lost the Miss Anita.
After a short run to to the crab grounds on Saturday 6/23/2018 (approx. 2 miles NNW or Salmon Creek beach in approx 100' of 52 deg. F. water) and while just starting to pull our 1st crab pot of the day I noticed the boat was taking on water.
Taking on water, faster than the bilge system could pump it out.. Immediately the crab pot was abandoned and our crew member Lars and I ordered for our clients to get their PDFs on and to get inside of the cabin so as to get the weight forward. I immediately notified the USCG of our position and situation, and I pointed the bow toward the beach. Due to severity of the flooding of the vessel, piloting ahead with only one motor, and with no rescue vessels near enough within our proximity I, unfortunately, had to run the boat aground on the North end of Salmon Creek Beach. All persons on board made it safely to ground.
Crew member and deck boss Lars Farnsworth did an outstanding job helping our clients don the PDF's and helping them off of the vessel and getting them to ground safely.
The clients did an outstanding job remaining calm and compliant and everything went as best as they could including the protection of the environment.
Boat owner Gordon also did a great job mobilizing a salvage operations team so that the fuel and oils could be safely and effectively removed and to provide excellent support to Lars, myself and the clients.
Currently plans are being made to complete this fishing season. We will keep you posted as to updates and/or any alternative plans.
We are all numb due to the loss of the Miss Anita... She was and awesome vessel and she will be missed by all!
Sorry no pics of the event from me... They hurt too much!!
Sadly, after all persons were safe and sound on land, the NW swells turned the "Miss Anita" broadside to the surge and swell and it pounded her to pieces in the surf zone. By 7 PM she was gone.
RIP "Miss Anita" F/G # 06332.
Thanks for all of the great fun, Excellent Safety Record, all of the awesome trips and awesome fish. Thanks for setting the Standard of Excellence! You will be missed my lady... You will never be forgotten!!
Captain Merlin
Standing By and On The Side.