[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 148 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S11207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN MEMORY OF LIVES LOST IN THE BERING SEA ON OCTOBER 20, 2002

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise today to express my condolences to 
the families and friends of men who lost their lives recently because 
of an accident aboard the Galaxy, which was fishing for cod in the 
Bering Sea.
  Aboard the Galaxy were First Mate Jerry L. Stephens of Edmonds, 
Washington; Crewman Jose R. Rodas of Pasco, Washington; and Cook George 
Karn of Anchorage, Alaska. From the Clipper Express: Crewman Daniel 
Schmiedt of Arlington, Washington.
  On October 20, 2002, an explosion occurred aboard the Galaxy, a 180-
foot vessel fishing for cod off of Alaska's remote Pribilof Islands. 
Preliminary reports indicate that crew members were battling a small 
fire below deck when a hatch was opened to allow smoke to escape. This 
triggered an explosion which ignited multiple fires that quickly 
superheated its iron hull. With little time to act, the crew scrambled 
to don survival suits and release lifeboats as they tried to rescue 
shipmates who had been thrown overboard by the blast.
  Captain Dave Shoemaker of Carnation, Washington, sustained burns and 
broken ribs as he struggled through the fire to make the crucial Mayday 
call alerting the Coast Guard and other fishing vessels to come to the 
Galaxy's assistance. The heroic efforts of Deck Boss Ryan Newhall of 
San Antonio, Texas, saved the life of National Marine Fisheries Service 
biologist Ann Weckback, who was thrown into the icy water without a 
survival suit. One of the fishing boats which responded to the Mayday 
call, the Clipper Express, was drawn into the tragedy when 24 year old 
crew member Daniel Schmiedt was swept overboard during the rescue 
operation.
  It may be months until we know what caused the fatal explosion on the 
Galaxy. However, the immediate response of the Clipper Express and the 
other ships that came to the rescue of the Galaxy's crew is a testament 
to the industry. My heart goes out to the families and friends of the 
four men who died on October 20, 2002. I extend my deep appreciation to 
all those in the fishing industry and the Coast Guard who responded 
quickly to prevent even greater loss of life from this accident.

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