A local commercial fisherman is facing a devastating loss after a 58-foot fishing vessel carrying squid ran aground approximately 30 miles north of Point Reyes National Seashore.
According to information provided, the vessel, captained by Rich Nehmer, went aground during conditions involving low tide and wind.
Richard Nehmer is the husband of Crescent City Harbor District Annie Nehmer. The Nehmers also own and operate FV Resolution, andother fishing boat moored at the Crescent City Harbor,
Nehmer immediately contacted the United States Coast Guard to report the incident and seek assistance. Importantly, no diesel fuel spill or other leaks from the vessel were reported following the grounding.
That is welcome news in an unfortunate situation, particularly given the importance of protecting the sensitive coastal and marine environment surrounding the Point Reyes area.
What happened next was not the outcome the boat owner had hoped for.
Rather than assisting with efforts to retrieve or refloat the vessel, the owner was informed that the plan was to have the vessel excavated and removed.
For a commercial fisherman, the loss of a vessel represents far more than the loss of a boat. It is a livelihood —a working platform that allows a fisherman and crew to earn an income, support their families, and contribute to the local fishing economy.
Although the vessel is reportedly insured, insurance does not necessarily provide immediate relief. The owner anticipates that reimbursement could take as long as a year, leaving a significant gap between the loss of the vessel and the ability to replace it and return to work.
The incident is especially unfortunate for our local commercial fishing community, where every working vessel matters.
Commercial fishermen already face unpredictable weather, changing ocean conditions, regulatory requirements, fuel and maintenance expenses, and uncertain fishing seasons. Losing a 58-foot vessel adds another serious hardship.
There is also something particularly difficult about seeing a vessel lost when those involved had hoped it might be recovered. Nehmer did what a captain should do following the grounding—he immediately contacted the Coast Guard and reported the situation. With no diesel spill or leaks reported, there is no reportable fuel-related environmental impact.
Nehmer expected USCG to aid in the recovery of the fishing vessels. Instead, the Coast Guard’s plan to destroy the boat rather than save it -- not the outcome expected by Nehmer.
Now, instead of returning home with his vessel, the fishing community is facing the loss of another boat.
Our local fishermen are an important part of the history, economy, and character of our coastal community. When one fisherman loses a vessel, the effects reach beyond the captain and owner. Crew members, families, seafood buyers, processors, local businesses, and ultimately the community can all feel the impact.
For Rich Nehmer and those connected to this vessel, the hope now is that the insurance process moves as quickly as possible and that this setback will not keep another local fisherman off the water for long.