On December 11, 2001, a day marked by the hopeful start of the Dungeness crab season, 20-year-old Jared Hamrick was aboard the 40-foot fishing vessel 'Nesika' off the coast of Newport, Oregon. The ocean was turbulent, a typical condition for that time of year, as the crew embarked on their work. At approximately 10:20 a.m., tragedy struck when the 'Nesika' capsized in the Pacific Ocean, about one mile west of Yaquina Head.
Four fishermen, including Jared, were lost to the sea. The others on board were the boat's captain, Robert Thompson, 40, and fellow crewmen Steven Langlot, 34, and Benjamin Eder, 21.
The loss of the 'Nesika' and its crew was a devastating event for the tight-knit fishing community of Newport. An extensive search was launched in the turbulent waters, but the vastness of the ocean held little hope. Tragically, of the four men, only the body of Steven Langlot was ever recovered. The 'Nesika' itself was later found, having run aground on Beverly Beach, north of Newport, a silent testament to the power of the sea. The vessel was owned by Bob and Michele Longo Eder, the parents of Benjamin Eder, who were deeply embedded in the local fishing industry. In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, Benjamin's father was also at sea on another family vessel, the 'Michele Ann', and participated in the fruitless search for his son and the other crew members.
The disappearance of Jared Hamrick, along with Robert Thompson and Benjamin Eder, remains an unresolved sorrow for their families and the community. Without any further traces of the men, they are presumed to have been lost at sea in the tragic accident that claimed their vessel. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers faced by those who make their living from the sea. The story of the 'Nesika' and its crew is one of sudden loss and the enduring pain of not knowing the final fate of loved ones, a narrative all too common in the perilous world of commercial fishing. The case underscores the profound and lasting impact such tragedies have on the families and the close-knit communities that support this vital industry.Last Seen: Dec 11, 2001
