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Lone Survivor Recounts Fatal Boat Accident

Written by Alys Martinez

Story Created: Jul 12, 2006 at 5:01 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 12, 2006 at 7:24 PM PDT

The following is an unedited letter written by Clifton Kent, the skipper of the 5 G'S commercial fishing boat that sank off the coast of Santa Cruz Island Monday night.


The Boat left S.B. Harbor 5:15 everything was fine when we arrived at the Island's. We started to set the net about 9:00 at arch rock app 1 1/2 miles out.

At the time of setting the net everything seemed to be alright. Then Mike called out--there was a little water on the deck, I came out on deck to see about the water; at this point I know something was wrong, I told Mike let's get the net in quick, about this time we took 2 waves over the stern, the boat turned to port it flooded the whole boat in seconds, seconds later the boat turned over. We instantly grabed 5 fishing balls, and wrapped them together.

We could not see the boat floating at all. The three of us got together and talked and we decided we had 2 choices 1. to swim to gary Burks boat the Ttitan" which was up and out to sea or 2. get together and try to swim to the island about 1 1/2 miles off. *we all decided to swim to the island.

About 45 minutes into the swim Mike had a problem.


The current was very strong and waves were brakeing over us. we tryed for 20 mins to revive him and keep swimming at the same time. We realized that Mike had passed and decided to clip him to 2 buoys and we had to keep swimming.

2 hours later Joe gave up he was "exhausted & cold" I tryed toeing him & begged him to try and swim.

it came to a point I had to make a decision, I could no futher help to joe.

I uncliped my boye and asked Joe to swim with me I had to make this choice, I had family at home.

I didn't no if I could make it at this point, I was afraid of missing this whole island about 2:00 am. I finaly got to the island.

I could not get up on the island I had to swim app. 1/4 to 1/2 mile to find a spot to clim up on .

we were all good friends and I will miss them.

*KEYT editorial note The Boat name 5 G'S refers to Kent's 5 daughters.
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