Into the Abyss: The Tragic Disappearance of David Cobban and the Sinking of the Scandies Rose

A Fateful Voyage: The Final Journey of the Scandies Rose

On December 31, 2019, the 130-foot crabbing vessel Scandies Rose set out into the Gulf of Alaska, departing from Dutch Harbor. The ship, commanded by Captain Gary Cobban Jr., was embarking on a routine fishing expedition with a crew of seven, including his son, David Cobban. Unbeknownst to them, this voyage would end in tragedy. As the vessel navigated the treacherous waters near Sutwik Island, it encountered severe weather conditions characterized by 20-foot seas, 40 mph winds, and heavy icing. These conditions led to the vessel capsizing and sinking approximately 170 miles southwest of Kodiak Island.

The Crew: Lives Lost and Survivors

The Scandies Rose had a crew of seven members. Five crew members were reported missing: Captain Gary Cobban Jr., his son David Cobban, Arthur Ganacias, Brock Rainey, and Seth Rousseau-Gano. Two crew members, Dean Gribble Jr. and John Lawler, survived the ordeal. They were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after being found in a life raft, suffering from hypothermia but without serious injuries.

The Rescue Effort: A Race Against Time

Upon receiving the distress call, the U.S. Coast Guard launched a comprehensive search and rescue operation. The effort spanned over 20 hours and covered approximately 1,400 square miles. Despite the deployment of multiple aircraft and vessels, only Gribble and Lawler were found. The search was eventually suspended, and the remaining five crew members were presumed lost at sea.

Survivor's Account: A Harrowing Escape

Dean Gribble Jr., one of the survivors, recounted the terrifying experience. He described waking up to the vessel listing heavily due to ice accumulation and the crew scrambling to don survival suits. Gribble and Lawler managed to escape the sinking vessel and reach a life raft, where they waited for rescue in freezing conditions. Gribble's account highlights the suddenness of the disaster and the perilous nature of commercial fishing in Alaska. ...Read More

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