Update: R.I. fishing boat sinks off N.J.; owner missing
3:59 PM Thu, Jul 24, 2008 | Permalink
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Two crew members of the Sea Breeze were rescued, but Phil Ruhle, 56, the operator of the 80-foot vessel, is missing. Survivor Rayford Carr told the Coast Guard, "He didn't get a chance to get out." The Coast Guard said it plans to continue its search for Ruhle until sunset tonight, then decide what action to take at that time. Crew members Carr, 50, of New Bedford, Mass., and Anthony Hendrickson, 22, were found clinging to the capsized boat last night and were rescued by the crew of a Coast Guard helicopter, according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Crystalynn Kneen. According to a Web site dedicated to the fishing vessel, Sea Breeze's homeport is Parascondola Dock in Newport. 
Journal file photoPhil Ruhle standing in front of his 80-foot dragger, Sea Breeze, in 2002.
The Coast Guard is searching for Ruhle, of North Kingstown, this afternoon with a cutter, a helicopter and a jet, according to Kneen. Rhule is known for being an advocate for fishermen. He goes to meetings, sends out e-mails to other fishermen, even collaborates with academics and engineers to make sure fishermen have the most modern equipment for the trade. "He always paid attention," fishing net engineer Jonathan Knight said, "he kept us informed, he's a valuable resource ... He's been on the ocean all his life." The Coast Guard believes Ruhle was in the pilot house when the boat capsized. Both of the rescued fishermen were in good condition this morning at the Coast Guard's Air Station in Atlantic City, Knee said. The boat was carrying 100,000 pounds of squid when it went down in 164 feet of water, she said. University of Rhode Island Fisheries researcher David Beutel, who has worked with Ruhle on a fishing net innovation, said Ruhle fished off Cape May in New Jersey for squid during the summer. The Coast Guard was alerted to the problem at about 9:30 p.m. via the signal from an emergency locator beacon, according to Kneen. The boat went down about 45 miles east of Atlantic City in eight- to 10-foot seas with 24-knot winds. In an interview with the Coast Guard, Carr said the boat was steaming home with its catch when it started getting hit by waves on the port side. Ruhle struggled in the pilot house to turn the boat into the waves before it capsized. "He didn't get a chance to get out," Carr said. Carr estimated that he and Hendrickson were in the 75-degree water for about three hours before they were rescued. "I never prayed so much in my life," he said. While the two fisherman were clinging to the capsized boat, Hendrickson spotted the emergency beacon floating in the water, swam to it and set it off, Carr said. The cause of the sinking is under investigation. Carr says it was his last fishing trip. "I never want to be in a situation like that again," he said. "As a matter or fact, I'm done fishing." 
Journal photo / Bill MurphyPhil Ruhle Jr. , in his Peace Dale home today. Watch a video interview with Ruhle. Rhule's son, Philip Ruhle Jr. just got off the Sea Breeze on Monday. He spent two weeks fishing on the vessel with his own 7-year-old son, also named Philip. "If I didn't think that it was safe, I would not bring my own kid out on it," said Philip Jr. of the Sea Breeze. "It's perfectly safe." Ruhle said his son loves fishing, just as he does. But now he's not sure he wants to go back to sea. "I couldn't imagine someone telling my son that I'm gone," he said. -- With reports from projo.com staff writer Brandie Jefferson and Journal staff writers Amanda Milkovits and Peter Lord 
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I have had the wonderful experience of working with Captain Phil and his family for several years now, and I was taken back by the news I heard this morning. I can only hope that Captain Phil is found.
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My prayers and thoughts are with the Ruhle family.
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The fishermen in Maine send their thoughts and prayers.
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my prayers are with the family and with all fishermen who are out there...be safe
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On behalf of the Parascandolo family, our hopes and prayers are with Phil Sr. and the Ruhle family.
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Our prayers are with you Donna.
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We are all praying for the safe return of Captain Phil. "May God be watching over you and your family"
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