1 of 2 Katmai rafts didn't fully inflate

One of the two life rafts launched from the sinking fishing vessel Katmai was not fully inflated when found, according to testimony Monday in Seattle as the Coast Guard continued its investigation into the Oct. 23 tragedy that claimed the lives of seven of 11 Katmai crewmen.

Petty Officer Shawn Eggert, a Coast Guard spokesman who attended the hearing, said it appears likely the raft never fully inflated when deployed.

The life raft was picked up by the Courageous, a fishing vessel that helped search for survivors. And at the hearing Monday, Courageous crewman Reynaldo Rubalcaua said it was found empty and partially deflated.

The Washington-based Katmai, a 93-foot vessel that caught, headed and gutted cod, flooded and sank as the skipper, Henry Blake, sought to push through a treacherous Aleutian Island pass amid a fierce storm.

The Katmai's two life rafts have been scrutinized during the investigation since they were older models that — though approved for use aboard the vessel — lacked some of the most current design improvements intended to increase the odds of survival.

One of the life rafts was launched from the port side and did inflate. But its canopy ripped and it flipped repeatedly amid huge breaking seas. Of the seven crewmen who started out in that raft, three were lost in the turbulent water, according to testimony last week in Anchorage.

The second life raft was launched from the starboard side of the vessel, according to survivors' testimony. But several of the crew who were on the starboard side of the vessel did not survive, and it is unclear whether they were ever able to reach the raft, according to survivors' testimony last week.

Also on Monday, the Coast Guard took testimony from two former engineers of the Katmai. John Bannister said the boat experienced a roll that made him seasick, and he was unable to stay aboard the vessel.

Phillip Stromstad, another former engineer, said he did not think the stability plan for the Katmai had the right instructions for loading fuel aboard the vessel.

Stromstad believes the plans called for putting too much fuel into the stern area, which could make the stern dip down too deep, according to Eggert.

Hal Bernton: 206-464-2581 or hbernton@seattletimes.com