Umpqua River Bar News

Richard J. An Oregon charter fishing boat captain was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment today in federal court in Portland. Richard J. Oba, of Winchester Bay, was the owner and captain of the Sydney Mae II, a 38 foot boat Oba used to conduct fishing charters. On September 19, 2005, Oba steered the boat into dangerous waters after being warned to stay away by the U. S. Coast Guard. The boat was struck by large wave and sunk off the Umpqua River Bar, killing three passengers. Oba had pled guilty to three counts of Seaman’s Manslaughter, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1115. The Honorable Ancer L. Haggerty, Chief Judge, agreed with prosecutors that Oba had acted recklessly, and upwardly departed to sentence Oba to 6 years. The sentence is believed to be the longest ever in this type of case.

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon stated that the captain of a charter fishing boat operating out of Winchester Bay, Oregon was indicted on three counts of seaman’s manslaughter following the deaths of three passengers. The deaths occurred when the boat sank while trying to cross the Umpqua River Bar in bad conditions. The U.S. Coast Guard had imposed restrictions on the Bar due to the conditions and the fishing boat captain was specifically advised of those restrictions. He attempted to cross the Bar regardless. If convicted, the captain faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count. source: HK Law