Vanished in the Bering Sea: The Tragic Disappearance of Captain Gary Cobban Jr. and the Scandies Rose Crew

A Legacy Rooted in the Sea

Captain Gary Cobban Jr. hailed from a storied lineage of fishermen in Kodiak, Alaska. For four generations, the Cobban family had braved the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea, harvesting its bounty and contributing to the rich maritime heritage of the region. Gary's life was deeply intertwined with the sea, a testament to his family's enduring commitment to the fishing industry. His son, David Lee Cobban, followed in his footsteps, embodying the family's dedication to this perilous yet vital profession.

The Fateful Voyage of the Scandies Rose

On December 31, 2019, the 130-foot crab fishing vessel, Scandies Rose, embarked on a routine expedition from Dutch Harbor, Alaska, aiming to commence the winter crabbing season. The vessel, under the command of Captain Cobban, was laden with crab pots and crewed by seven seasoned fishermen. As the ship navigated the Gulf of Alaska, it encountered severe weather conditions, including 20-foot seas, 40 mph winds, and freezing temperatures. These conditions led to rapid ice accumulation on the vessel, causing it to list dangerously. Despite the crew's efforts, the Scandies Rose capsized and sank near Sutwik Island, approximately 170 miles southwest of Kodiak Island.

The Harrowing Rescue and the Missing

In the early hours of January 1, 2020, the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the distress signal sent by the Scandies Rose. Rescue teams discovered two survivors, Dean Gribble Jr. and John Lawler, clinging to life in a raft amidst the icy waters. Both men were treated for hypothermia but survived the ordeal. Tragically, five crew members, including Captain Gary Cobban Jr., his son David Lee Cobban, Arthur Ganacias, Brock Rainey, and Seth Rousseau-Gano, remained missing despite an extensive 20-hour search covering 1,400 square miles.

Survivor's Account: A Night of Terror

Dean Gribble Jr., a survivor and experienced fisherman, recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the sinking. He described waking up to the vessel listing severely and the crew scrambling to don survival suits. Within minutes, the ship was engulfed by the sea. Gribble and Lawler managed to escape and reach a life raft, enduring hours in freezing conditions before being rescued. ...Read More

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