Sierra and Brett would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Captain Robert Royer, who went down with the F/V Northern Belle on April 20th. Rob was a common site when we were growing up in Chignik as the Northern Belle tendered for the different canneries for many years.

Brett explains his memories of Rob on the Northern Bell as he, “spent countless days on the Northern Belle learning how to play cribbage while passing the time. Rob was an excellent man, and had no qualms about teaching, and then beating me in crib. I will always remember him and the crew of the Northern Belle as my favorite tender when I was growing up.”

Oftentimes, we forget just how dangerous fishing can be amongst the glamorized media. This mayday call is an eye-opener for Sierra and Brett to be prudent and careful this summer during our voyages on the ocean.

This is a very chilling and hard to listen to video. It is hard to hear Rob’s voice but it is evident just how great a captain he was to give the mayday call the Coast Guard and ensure the lives of his crew.