Thursday, July 4, 2013

Crewman dies in Cook Inlet winch accident

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ninilchik
Type: Death investigation
On 7/4/13 at 0910 hours, the skipper of the F/V Anna Lane reported to the Alaska State Troopers that a crewmember was caught in the anchor winch and he was unable to get him out. The vessel was reported to be north of Ninilchik and approximately 1.5 miles offshore. Ninilchik Emergency Services responded aboard a charter fishing vessel. The crewmember was identified as Lewis Byerly, 55, of Wisconsin. EMS determined Byerly was deceased upon their arrival. EMS transported Byerly to Ninilchik. Initial investigation revealed Byerly was pulling up the anchor with the motorized winch and got his hand caught in the chain. The winch pulled the rest of his body in, causing fatal injuries. The U.S. Coast Guard and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration were notified. Byerly was sent to the state medical examiner in Anchorage for autopsy. Next of kin were notified. The F/V Anna Lane is returning to its homeport in Homer.

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