Tag Archives: commercial fisherman
Durham commercial fisherman evaded taxes on $1.4 million in income, IRS says
A Durham man pleaded guilty Wednesday to evading taxes on $1.4 million in income he earned as a commercial fisherman, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Brian Kobus earned the income while working as a commercial fisherman and deckhand for fishing companies in Massachusetts, the IRS said in a news release. The income totaled more than $1.4 million from 2011 through 2013, and 2017 through 2021, according to the IRS. Korbus is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 16 and faces up to five years in prison, the IRS said. The IRS said he also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:42
Horror on an Alaska fishing boat when a young crewman gets pulled into the sea
A 21-year-old fisherman died after his gear dragged him into the water in Southwest Alaska, officials said. Commercial fishing crewmember Corwin Wheeler fell from the boat in Kvichak Bay Friday, while fishing salmon. A mayday call reported him overboard at 12:31 pm, spurring a rescue operation. Officials said Wheeler first became tangled in his fishing gear, before being pulled overboard and into the water. Tributes have since poured in for the young angler, headed by his father. According to his social media, Corwin lived in Madison, and was born in Salem. Photos show him happily working the Bering Sea, as a salmon fisherman for Alaskan Leader Fisheries. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 14:10
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Crewmember on Bristol Bay fishing vessel dies following net entanglement
A commercial fishing crewmember in Western Alaska died Friday after he was swept up in fishing gear and taken into the water, according to the Alaska State Troopers. In a dispatch on Saturday, Troopers identified the victim as 21-year-old Corwin Wheeler of Wisconsin. Troopers began a rescue effort shortly after noon Friday upon receiving a mayday call from a fisherman in Kvichak Bay, a body of water near Naknek, part of the Bristol Bay Borough. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:47
Fresh Off the Boat
California fisheries are considered a “Legacy Industry” that sustains local families while helping to attract tourists. Shockingly, the California commercial fleet that included 5,000 boats in 1980 diminished to only 464 vessels by 2022, and Fort Bragg is home to 103 of these registered commercial fishing boats. The fish catchers who are still fishing are finding it increasingly necessary to “adapt or die.” Fortunately, Noyo Harbor seems to have some very resourceful people who have taken this challenge to heart and devised some innovative ways to help get the freshest fish onto your dinner table. Dan Platt, aka Captain Dan, is a commercial fisherman, diver, and owner of Noyo Harbor Tours in Fort Bragg. He owns two boats: the Zhivago, a converted 1931 former Coast Guard craft for fishing, and The Noyo Star, his eco-friendly electric tour boat. The recent tough times in California fisheries encouraged Dan to think outside the box. To improve his bottom line, he is sometimes able to sell his fish direct from his boat to customers on the dock, cutting out the middleman. more, >>CLICK TO READ<<10:20
Cranston man arrested in Narragansett after fishing trip
A commercial fisherman from Cranston was arrested Saturday morning when the fishing boat he was working on arrived in Narragansett. Narragansett Police Sergeant Kyle Hemmerle told NBC 10 News that John Avarista, 41, was wanted on a number of felony warrants – five from Connecticut, as well as a failure-to-appear warrant from Superior Court on a charge in Rhode Island. The Coast Guard said the suspect was tipped that officials were awaiting his making landfall and he diverted to a nearby dock in an attempt to escape capture. more, >CLICK TO READ<< 20:58
Commercial Fisherman Harlan Lloyd Wallace of Friendship, Me. has passed away
Harley followed into the family business and became a commercial lobsterman, purchasing his first lobster license when he was just 6 years old. He continued lobstering throughout his life and, after 65 years, retired from the industry that he loved in January 2023. In 1996 Harley and 14 other Friendship fisherman purchased Wallace Shellfish, a successful lobster-buying wharf, and created the Friendship Lobster Co-op. Throughout his life, he engaged in other commercial fishing industries, including musseling, scalloping, urchining, clamming and shrimping. Every spring, Harley would build and repair wharves, ramps and floats, along the mid-coast with the help of his sons. Harley was an extremely hard worker and a respected member of the lobstering community. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 12:57
Lobster Boat Capt. Jeffrey W. Johnson, of Truro, Dies at 67
Lobster boat Capt. Jeffrey Walter Johnson of Truro died at home on Jan. 19, 2024 from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 67. The son of Walter and Rhoda Johnson, Jeff was born on June 8, 1956 in Brockton. His father, an accountant, moved the family to Bridgewater, where Jeff grew up in a close-knit neighborhood. His father died when Jeff was nine, and the local dads rallied around him to buffer his loss, said Jo Johnson, Jeff’s former wife. Jeff had learned lobstering from Jo’s father, Edgar Francis, on the Pinkie, becoming first mate. But it was on his father-in-law’s lobster boat, the F/V Annie L, that he found his calling. He was fearless. When Hurricane Bob hit in 1991, he and Edgar chose to ride out the storm at sea instead of tying the boat down in the harbor. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:05
Commercial Fisherman Gainhart (Bud) Samuelson Junior, 77, of Petersburg has passed away
Bud was born on February 13, 1947, to Gainhart Samuelson, Senior, and Mildred (Massey) Samuelson. A lifelong resident of Petersburg, he grew up living with his mother and siblings on Hammer Slough. Summers were spent with his father at Portage Bay, where he loved fishing and hunting and grew determined to one day run a commercial fishing vessel of his own and to be a good provider for his family. After graduating from Petersburg High School in 1965, Bud landed a job on Andy Wikan’s boat, crabbing, longlining and seining aboard the wooden fishing vessel Pacific Sea. Before long, his dream future began to clarify around the captain’s lovely daughter, Audrey Wikan. Determined to impress, Bud’s fishing career accelerated until he was crabbing, seining, tendering and longlining throughout Southeast Alaska, the Gulf of Alaska, and the Bering Sea. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 20:23
Commercial Fisherman Riley Tavis Locker of Blaine, Washington has passed away
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Riley Tavis Locker. Riley was a cherished son, twin, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson and father. Born on April 2, 1993, he passed on March 14, 2024. Riley’s vibrant spirit and strength were evident from the beginning, when he entered the world ahead of his twin. Riley attended Ferndale High School, where he graduated in 2011. After graduation he discovered his passion for the water and thrived as a commercial fisherman, embodying a zest for life and a readiness for any adventure. Riley lived life on his own terms. more, >>click to read<< 10:01
Construction Worker/Commercial Fisherman David Earl Finifrock Jr. of Washington State, has passed away
Earl Finifrock Jr., born May 1,1966 in Ogden, Utah to father, David Finifrock Sr., currently of Tracyton, Washington and mother Cynthia Finifrock currently of Gig Harbor, Washington, passed away from a massive heart attack on Friday, February 16, 2024, at a construction site he was working on in Key Center, Washington. David was also a successful commercial fisherman, spending most summers for the past several years on his 50′ trawler, the “Sea Queen”, in the waters near Wrangell, Alaska, fishing for salmon. Most people who knew David would describe him as a good and honest friend, nephew, and cousin, a great craftsman, a wonderful son to his parents, and generally “one of the best guys you would ever want to know”. more, >>click to read<< 20:39
Commercial Fisherman in Northern California Takes Legal Action to Challenge Dock Prices
In the commercial fishing industry, rising costs, particularly fuel prices, have long been a major concern for fishermen across the United States. However, one commercial harvester in Northern California has taken a different approach to address the issue by bringing the matter to court. Recognizing the significant impact of dock prices on their livelihood, this fisherman has decided to challenge the current pricing structure through legal action. While many others have voiced their concerns about rising costs, this individual has taken a proactive stance by seeking legal remedies. By challenging the dock prices through legal means, this fisherman hopes to encourage a wider dialogue about the financial hardships faced by those in the fishing industry. more, >>click to read<< 07:59
Commercial Fisherman Pleads Guilty to Income Tax Evasion
A crew member on commercial fishing vessels operating out of New Bedford pleaded guilty today to evading nearly $300,000 in federal income taxes. Rodolfo Membreno, 49, of Fall River, pleaded guilty to one count of evading and defeating taxes before U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns. Judge Stearns scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2024. Membreno was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2023. From 2013 through 2021, Membreno earned more than $1.3 million working as a commercial fisherman. During the calendar years 2013 through 2019 Membreno failed to file federal income tax returns. more, >>click to read<< 07:25
Commercial Fisherman Corey Lee Goodwin, 66, of Ashland, N.H. passed away
Corey Lee Goodwin of Ashland passed away in his home after a fearless battle with cancer on Jan. 19, 2024. He was 66 years old. Corey was born on Oct. 11, 1957, in Biddeford, Maine, and the world was never the same. He immediately became a waterman, growing up on the ocean, always aboard a skiff equipped with an outboard motor and a fishing pole, where he loved catching mackerel and striped bass in his teens. You could catch him on his family’s fishing boat, “The Striker,” with his father and brother. After graduation from Kennebunk High School, he continued his fishing career and fished on his family’s new boat, “The Bompa C.” He eventually landed on his best friend John Green’s ground fish dragger “Leonore Rinder,” and they continued their journey together fishing on another dragger the “Trippolina.” Corey purchased his own dragger, the “Lively Lady,” and captained it until an unfortunate accident in his late 20s, where the boat was lost at sea. Following the accident, he purchased a lobster boat called the “Yankee” and ran that through his 30s. more, >>click to read<< 14:22
Charter/Commercial Fisherman Gilbert R. “Moon” Tillett of Wanchese, N.C., has passed away
Gilbert R. “Moon” Tillett crossed the bar for the last time on January 21, 2024. A native of Wanchese, he was born on December 17, 1929, to the late Leslie R. “Billie” Tillett and Lennie Basnight Tillett. Known as one of the original charter boat captains, Moon helped pave the way for what charter fishing is to the Outer Banks today. He ended this career in 1965 when he bought his first trawler, the Captain John Duke. He fished commercially up and down the East Coast from Massachusetts to Georgia. In 1975, he purchased another trawler, the Linda Gayle, and in 1977, he began a seafood business, the Moon Tillett Fish Company, selling seafood all over the world. In 1979, Moon purchased another trawler, the Gallant Fox. A strong advocate for the stabilization of Oregon Inlet, Moon spent many tireless hours alongside others trying to promote this cause. In 2012, he received the Living Legend Award. more, >>click to read<< 15:40
Missing fisherman’s body found in Fort Pierce Inlet days after disappearance
The body of a commercial fisherman who vanished earlier this week was recovered from the Fort Pierce Inlet near Jetty Park on Friday afternoon, deputies said. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Coast Guard recovered the body of Brian Ronshausen, 50. Ronshausen was last seen launching a small boat from Stan Blum Boat Ramp at about 11 p.m. Monday. Photos, >>click to read<< 10:14
Commercial Fisherman Thomas Woodrow “Tommy Derr” Johnson of North Carolina has passed away
Thomas Woodrow “Tommy Derr” Johnson, 80, crossed the sandbar on January 5th, 2023 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC after a short illness. Fishing was Tommy’s life. For nearly 70 years, he spent the majority of his time beach “seine” fishing with a truck & dory and whatever hands he could get. Of those hands, he spent many years teaching & passing along his knowledge and experience of his craft to many cousins, nieces, nephews and scallywags along the way. He also loved gillnet fishing in the Sound and crabbed & shrimped for fun with family recreationally. When not fishing for a living, he spent many a day hanging and mending nets, working on boats, gear or docks. Even well into his seventies , Tommy had dreams to go on one last fishing trip. more, >>click to read<< 08:15
What is Captain Sig Hansen’s Net Worth and Salary?
Sigurd Jonny Hansen entered the world on April 28, 1966, in Seattle, hailing from a proud lineage of Norwegian fishermen. At the tender age of 14, Sigurd embarked on his maritime journey, joining his father’s fishing vessel. His immersion in the world of fishing deepened, and upon completing high school, he transitioned into a full-time fisherman. It was during these formative years that Sig Hansen honed his expertise in navigating the challenging waters of Alaska and the Bering Sea. Over time, Sig Hansen progressively climbed the ranks aboard the Northwestern, ultimately assuming the role of relief skipper. At the age of 24, he ascended to the position of full-time captain of the vessel. Under his leadership, the Northwestern has maintained an exemplary track record, excelling in both safety and gross production. Notably, in 2005 and 2006, the Northwestern outperformed all other vessels featured on Deadliest Catch in terms of earnings. more, >>click to read<< 11:21
Boat engineer identified as person pulled from harbor on Christmas Eve
A fishing vessel crewmember whose body was pulled from the North Channel of Gloucester Harbor just off the Jodrey State Fish Pier shortly after noon Christmas Eve day has been identified in reports from the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and Gloucester Police. The man who died was 69-year-old Donaldo Thompson who appeared to be from Florida. The investigation remains open pending reports from the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Essex DA spokesperson Sharyn Lubas wrote in an email. Thompson served as crewmember and boat engineer aboard the F/V Reliance which was docked at the Jodrey State Fish Pier at the time, according to a Gloucester police report. The vessel, which has been known to fish for menhaden, was tied up at the Jodrey State Fish Pier on Wednesday. 3 photos, more, >>click to read<< 17:38
Commercial Fisherman Peter Allen Zuanich of Anacortes, Washington has passed away
Peter Allen Zuanich was born September 3, 1946, in Bellingham, Washington. He passed away peacefully on November 24, 2023, in Oak Harbor, Washington, with his wife, Kimberly, by his side. Peter graduated from Bellingham High School and Central Washington University. Though he graduated with a degree in business, he ultimately followed in his father’s wake, working for many years as the owner and captain of commercial fishing vessels along the coasts of Alaska and California. A celebration of life will take place at 1pm on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at The Boathouse in Zuanich Point Park. more, >>click to read<< 08:05
Massachusetts Commercial Fisherman Sentenced to Prison for Tax Evasion
A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for evading taxes on income he earned as a commercial fisherman. According to court documents, Joaquin Sosa, of New Bedford, worked as a commercial fisherman and deckhand operating primarily out of the Port of New Bedford. Despite receiving approximately $1.9 million in income between 2012 and 2021, Sosa did not file tax returns reporting the income and did not pay the substantial income taxes owed on the income he earned. Sosa also worked under false identities over the years. To further conceal the source and disposition of his income, Sosa cashed his paychecks from fishing companies at check-cashing businesses, at times using false identities, and used the cash to fund his personal lifestyle. In total, Sosa caused a tax loss to the IRS of $520,415. >>click to read<< 19:34
Nautical tributes for Aberdeen trawlerman Johnny Winton
John Munro Winton – always known as Johnny, was born on June 7 1935 in Aberdeen. Son of trawler fisherman William Winton and his wife Margaret, Johnny had two brothers and a sister. On leaving Hilton Academy he followed in his father’s footsteps, and by 15 he was going to sea on the same vessel as his dad. A family man, although tired when he was at home after extended periods of time away at sea, Johnny made sure he was present for his children. Johnny retired from trawler fishing after 51 years, due to ill health. “Really what summed up dad’s retirement,” said Graham, “was the time he devoted to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Photos, more, >>click to read<< 10:20
Lifelong Commercial Fisherman Carlton Maxwell Muse, Sr. of Pamlico, North Carolina has passed away
Carlton Maxwell Muse Sr. passed peacefully at 92 years old in his home on Sunday, November 12, 2023, while watching the sunrise over Broad Creek. According to his birth certificate, Carlton was debatably born on July 31, 1931, but his mother told him otherwise. Carlton “Mack,” or “Son” as he was referred to by his parents, was as salty as they come. He was a proud U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, serving in both active duty and USCG reserves. He was also a lifelong commercial fisherman, who was once air lifted off the F/V Miss Pamlico when she hit the bottom in Oregon Inlet. Year after year he would trawl the waters from the Mid- Atlantic all the way to Key West, Fla. He loved fishing so much that he would move his family to the Keys once a year, just for shrimp season. Carlton and his family would always find their way back home, to Little Pamlico. When he finally grew tired of the wind in his face, the salt in his hair, and missing Shirley May way too often, he opened C.M. Muse Seafood. >>click to read<< 07:40
Deadly fentanyl raises stakes for addicted fishermen
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New Bedford fisherman Michael Kennedy, who died from a fentanyl overdose in 2022 at the age of 32. Photo provided by family.
Drug addiction is not new in the fishing industry. There is a tragic and long-understood pattern of fishermen using opiates or amphetamines to manage the chronic pain and endless hours that come with hard labor deep at sea. But the introduction of fentanyl has altered this pattern. In recent years, both fishermen and addiction counselors in the area say drug use has actually tended to be less pervasive on the waterfront than at any other point in the last few decades. Captains say they are more strict about enforcing a “zero tolerance” policy on their vessels, due to the high risk of fentanyl overdoses leading to death. Many keep Narcan, the opioid-overdose antidote, stocked on their boats and are aware of the outreach programs available to fishermen. But fentanyl has raised the stakes for fishermen continuing to struggle with addiction. >>click to read<< 15:59
Commercial Fisherman William ‘Buzz/Buzzer’ Alexander Ropes III, of Round Pound, has passed away
On the evening of Oct. 26, 2023, Buzz Ropes passed away peacefully. Buzz was born Feb. 27, 1948 in Montclair, N.J., to Bertah Whitney “Bud” and William A. Ropes II “Bill.” Shortly after, Bill introduced his wife and son to his beloved state of Maine, driving from New Jersey in a model T Ford. Buzz spent his childhood in Round Pond with his sisters, Susan and Claudia. After graduating, Buzz spent the majority of his time on the water. His mentor, Cheever Prentice, instilled a passion for fishing and lobstering. He learned much from “Cheevah” while working as his sternman aboard F/V Harmony. It was this experience that shaped his future on the water. Buzz had a very successful career as a commercial fisherman spanning over 37 years and three boats: F/V Karen R., F/V Great Spirit, and F/V Harmony..>>click to read<< 14:34
Commercial Fisherman Robert Maxwell “Bob” Salter of Santa Cruz, California has passed away
Family and friends are mourning the loss of beloved uncle and trusted friend, Bob Salter, who passed away at his Santa Cruz home with his loving family at his bedside. Bob was born in Santa Cruz to Frederick Salter and Fern Rianda Salter, he attended Delaveaga, B40, and Harbor High School. His father taught Bob the joy of fishing and love of the Sea. He grew up surfing and fishing with his brother Gary. His former boat was the Francis Jolene in the Santa Cruz Harbor. He fished for many seasons in Alaska and would visit family in Canada along the way. Bob had a lifelong career of commercial fishing and most recently fished out of Santa Cruz Harbor with Rick Ryan and his niece Bonnie Salter. >>click to read<< 10:27
Commercial Fisherman Arnold Herbert Benner of Friendship, Maine, has passed away
Arnold Herbert Benner passed away at his home in Friendship on Thursday, October 5, 2023, with his family at his side. Recently celebrating his 80th birthday, he was born in Damariscotta on April 8, the son of Herbert & Anne Benner. He grew up in Friendship, started lobstering as a teenager and fished for more than 60 years. He won the title of the fastest lobster boat in Friendship three times. He graduated from Waldoboro High School. He bowled at DePatsy’s Lanes in Waldoboro, and with his wife, Alice, and was a member of the Coastal Clippers Square Dancing club. Arnold and Alice traveled around the country with family and took road trips to visit family and friends in Connecticut, Florida, Virginia, and Alabama. Highlights for Arnold included a ride in a race car at Daytona and driving his truck around the Talladega Superspeedway at 92 mph. >>click to read<< 19:54
Fisherman Convicted in Plot to Sell $900,000 of Illegal Fluke and Bass
A Montauk, N.Y., fisherman accused of vastly exceeding legal limits on how much fluke he could bring ashore was convicted on all charges in a federal court in Central Islip on Wednesday. Chris Winkler, 63, captain of a 45-foot trawler called the F/V New Age, was accused of falsifying records in order to sell illegal fluke, also known as summer flounder, and black sea bass to partners from Gosman’s Dock, a mini-empire of restaurants and shops in Montauk, and dealers in the New Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx. Prosecutors said the over-quota fish was worth nearly $900,000 on the wholesale market. Two cousins from the Gosman family were initially charged — but they flipped and testified against Mr. Winkler, with one claiming he had helped the F/V New Age evade detection by the Coast Guard. Mr. Winkler could face many years in prison on five charges of conspiracy, obstruction and mail fraud, though he is unlikely to receive a lengthy sentence under federal sentencing practices. He was stoic as the verdict was read in court on Wednesday. His lawyer Richard W. Levitt vowed to appeal, and said the case was based on outdated legal limits on fluke fishing. “There is nothing at all rational about this system, but Mr. Winkler and other Long Island fishermen are easy scapegoats for this regulatory insanity,” he said. >>click to read<< 15:28
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Massachusetts Commercial Fisherman Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion
A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today to evading taxes on income he earned as a commercial fisherman. According to court documents and statements made in court, John Doe of New Bedford, Massachusetts, worked as a commercial fisherman operating primarily out of the Port of New Bedford. Despite receiving approximately $1.9 million in income between 2012 and 2021, Doe did not file tax returns with the IRS and did not pay taxes on the income he earned. To conceal his earnings from the IRS, Doe cashed his paychecks from fishing companies at check-cashing businesses and then used the cash to fund his personal lifestyle. He also used stolen identities to cash the checks. In total, Doe caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $520,415. >>click to read<< 13:57
Commercial fisherman Jeffrey Thomas Clements of Oak Bluffs, Marthas Vineyard, has passed away
Jeffrey Thomas Clements, 67, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023, while out on his boat off State Beach, doing what he loved. Jeffrey was born on July 18, 1956, in Oak Bluffs. He was the son of Albert R. Clements and Lorraine E. (DeMont) Clements. Jeffrey grew up in Oak Bluffs. In addition to landscaping and tree work, Jeff had a calling to be on the water. He was a commercial fisherman, scalloping and lobstering, working for himself or as crew for others if something good came along. During the late ’70s and early ’80s, Jeff crewed for Capt. Roy Scheffer on the sword fishing boat Tiki 12. Jeff spoke fondly of those days fishing on the Grand Banks, traveling south in the winter to fish, and eventually out to Hawaii in ’83’ and ’84 on the Tucana. Jeff was first mate for Capt. Scheffer at that time. Jeff loved Hawaii, and continued to swordfish there after Capt. Roy came back to M.V. >click to read< 10:01