Darkness on the Bering Sea: The Sinking of the Alaska Ranger | E135
This week hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen sharing a harrowing true survival story from Easter morning, 2008. The story centers on the Alaska Ranger, a fishing vessel that began taking on water in the deadly Bering Sea, leading to one of the largest cold-water rescues in Coast Guard history. The narrative explores the treacherous conditions of the Bering Sea, the impact of the vessel's conversion from an oil service vessel, and the critical series of events that led to its sinking. The script includes background on key crew members, the heroic rescue efforts by the Coast Guard, and the aftermath investigations that revealed significant safety oversights. The episode also features insights from commercial fishing captain Matt Dewitt, who sheds light on the technical aspects of such maritime tragedies and the importance of preparation and safety in the industry.