Ferndale fisherman drowns as vessel sinks near Point Roberts
The Whatcom County Medical Examiner has released the identity of a man who drowned as a fishing vessel sank off Point Roberts on Aug. 11.
Medical Examiner Dr. Aldo Fusaro identified the fisherman as Kevin Finkbonner, 38, from Ferndale. Finkbonner was in a 25-foot fishing vessel with his brother when the boat began to sink, according to a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard responded to a distress signal just before 4 p.m. off Point Roberts. The Canadian Coast Guard and a good Samaritan also responded, according to the release.
“We had, thankfully, our Coast Guard Canadian counterparts up there respond as well,” Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier told The Herald. “They were able to respond really quickly.”
The good Samaritan was the first to arrive and was able to pull one of the fishermen from the water in good condition, according to the release.
Finkbonner was found in the water, and responders attempted life-saving efforts. He was taken to Emergency Medical Services in Blaine, where medical professionals declared him deceased.
“This rescue highlights the importance of our Canadian partners and good Samaritans out on the water willing to offer their assistance in an emergency,” Capt. Michael Hunt, search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound, said in the release. “Conditions on the water can change rapidly, and someone in the right place at the right time can make all the difference.”
This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 10:07 AM.
.jpg)