SEATTLE (AP) — The Coast Guard has released the names of four people presumed dead after their fishing trawler disappeared off the Washington coast after sending a distress signal.
They are 42-year-old Dave Nickels and 38-year-old Jason Bjaranson of Warrenton, Ore.; 25-year-old Chris Langel of Kaukauna, Wis.; and 19-year-old Luke Jensen of Ilwaco, Wash.
The Coast Guard suspended its search for the men Sunday.
Petty Officer Shawn Eggert says crews in Coast Guard cutters and a helicopter covered more than 1,300 square miles since the 70-foot Lady Cecelia sent a distress signal early Saturday. He says they’ve now searched longer than anyone might have survived in the water.
Rescue crews searched through the night after finding debris, an empty lifeboat and an oil sheen several miles off the coast. The search was called off before midday Sunday.
