The family of a 38-year-old Lummi Nation member who died after the commercial fishing vessel he was on sank off Point Roberts is questioning the U.S. Coast Guard’s delayed response.
Kevin Charles Finkbonner, 38, was aboard the 25-foot skiff with his brother, Brad, when it began taking on water just before 4 p.m. south of the U.S. exclave.
Steve Strohmaier, a public affairs specialist at the U.S. Coast Guard, said one of the brothers called his wife, who called 911. The U.S. Coast Guard received the information from 911 dispatch at 3:52 p.m.
The U.S. Coast Guard called the Canadian Coast Guard, which deployed a hovercraft from Richmond, and issued an urgent marine information broadcast requesting assistance from any nearby boaters. The U.S. Coast Guard sent personnel from Bellingham and its Port Angeles air station. Weather was reported to be two-foot seas and 15-knot winds.
A Canadian search and rescue vessel was the first to arrive at 4:18 p.m., Strohmaier said. At 4:38 p.m., a good Samaritan found the brother, who was wearing a life jacket. Several minutes later, the good Samaritan located Finkbonner unconscious, who was not wearing a life jacket, Strohmaier said. The Canadian Coast Guard recovered Finkbonner and attempted lifesaving measures.
Strohmaier declined to say when the U.S. Coast Guard arrived on scene, but said the Canadian Coast Guard transferred Finkbonner to a U.S. Coast Guard boat from Bellingham after attempting to save his life. EMS declared Finkbonner deceased at Blaine Harbor.
Whatcom County Medical Examiner Dr. Aldo Fusaro confirmed in an email that Finkbonner died from drowning.
Finkbonner’s family credited the Canadian Coast Guard for attempting to save his life in a statement that Lummi Nation Chairman Anthony Hillaire read via Lummi Communications on August 14.
In their statement, Finkbonner’s parents, Ronnie and Alena, voiced concern that their son’s life could have been saved had first responders arrived quicker.
“As we mourn, we cannot stay silent on the circumstances surrounding his passing. It is deeply troubling that when tragedy struck, quick and effective response was not there,” the Finkbonners’ statement read. “No family should have to endure the pain of wondering whether faster help would have changed the outcome, nor the added trauma of being treated without compassion and respect.”
The Finkbonners did not elaborate on the treatment they received.
The U.S. Coast Guard did everything in its power to respond as quickly as possible during the tragic incident, Strohmaier said. Strohmaier added the vessel did not have a VHF radio, which is recommended and would have allowed the brothers to call the U.S. Coast Guard directly.
“The U.S. Coast Guard is engaging with Lummi Tribal leadership to discuss their concerns with the U.S. Coast Guard’s response,” Strohmaier said.
Affectionately known as “Krunkle,” Finkbonner graduated from Ferndale High School in 2005. He was known for his love of the outdoors – whether that was fishing, crabbing or hunting. Finkbonner was the happiest outside and could often be found working on his truck, going mudding or exploring the mountains with his loyal pup, Diesel, according to his obituary.
“He was someone who would do anything for anyone without hesitation,” Finkbonner’s obituary reads. “He made life better for the people around him just by being himself.”
He is survived by his father, mother, brother, sister-in-law Heidi Finkbonner, nephews Bradley Finkbonner Jr. and Braiden Luna, and four-legged best friend, Diesel.
A celebration of life is planned for noon Saturday, August 23 at the Wex’liem Community Building, 2100 Blackhawk Way in Bellingham.
Finkbonner’s family declined to comment to The Northern Light at this time.
