Tag Archives: 160 tons of tuna aboard

How a few daring moves saved the crew of the Star of the Sea tuna boat in a 1961 accident

In the predawn hours of Oct. 4, 1961, a tuna clipper en route to San Diego ran aground off Point Arena in dense fog. The 108-foot Star of the Sea — with an 11-man crew and 160 tons of tuna aboard — was returning from a nine-week fishing voyage near Newport, Oregon. As it arrived in the small coastal city of Point Arena, between Sea Ranch and Manchester in Mendocino County, the vessel’s navigational system went out amid unnavigable fog and turbulent waters. The Oct. 4, 1961, Oakland Tribune reported the crew fought to control the ship, then the captain, identified as Andrew Baity, deliberately grounded it on sand to prevent it from smashing into nearby rocks. With the vessel’s two dories lost in the heavy sea and no immediate rescue on the way, the crew was stuck and helpless. Then, crewman John Dutra made a dramatic pursuit for aid. photo gallery, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:07