The Atka tragedy

On June 14, a terrible event occurred on remote Atka Island when a van carrying workers from the Atka Pride Seafoods plant rolled over, killing three and injuring several others.

The driver of the van has since been charged with manslaughter, DUI and other offenses.

Deckboss obtained the charging documents, which describe the tragedy.

Atka Pride Seafoods is a subsidiary of Juneau-based Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association.

Troller jailed at Sitka after drunken ruckus at sea

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Multiple offenses
On 2/13/16 at 1347 hours, Alaska Wildlife Troopers and Sitka police responded on the P/V Courage to reports of a fishing vessel attempting to ram other boats near Cape Edgecumbe during the Sitka Sound winter salmon troll fishery. Investigation revealed Timothy D. Demmert, 33, of Klawock, was operating the 47-foot power troller F/V Emmanuel and had intentionally run over gear of other fishermen causing loss of the gear and loss of fishing time. Demmert refused a boarding at sea by troopers and was eventually boarded in Sitka harbor at 1824 hours where he was found to be under the influence of alcohol and in possession of a loaded shotgun. Demmert was arrested and remanded to Sitka jail on charges including DUI watercraft, misconduct involving a weapon, refuse boarding, interfere with commercial gear, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment. Bail was set at $10,000 cash performance bond. The investigation is continuing and more charges are likely to be forwarded to the district attorney's office.

Lloyd, former commissioner, pleads guilty to DUI

Here's the story from the Associated Press.

Lloyd to retire as Fish and Game commissioner

Denby Lloyd will retire effective Dec. 1 as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

He made his plans known today in an e-mail to staff.

Lloyd is facing a drunk driving charge in Juneau.

A new face

As the North Pacific Fishery Management Council continues meeting this week on the Steller sea lion issue, it's interesting to note someone new occupying the state's chair on the 11-member panel: Cora Campbell, fisheries policy adviser to Gov. Sean Parnell.

Normally, state Fish and Game Commissioner Denby Lloyd occupies that seat, and certainly you might imagine he would want to be a part of so important a meeting.

But Lloyd, as we reported on Aug. 8, is facing prosecution after a drunk driving arrest in Juneau.

The governor has said that if the court system "reveals guilt, swift and appropriate action will be taken" against Lloyd.

Deckboss yesterday checked with Parnell's press secretary, Sharon Leighow, on Lloyd's status. Nothing has changed, she said.

But judging from the look of the council these days, maybe we do have a change.

Fish and game commissioner charged with DUI

Here's the story from the Associated Press.