Sector Humboldt Bay to honor 4 crew members lost at sea 23-years ago

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Ca. (KIEM)-Four coast guard crew members lost at sea nearly 23 years ago off the coast of Cape Mendocino will be honored by their peers Monday in a live stream memorial.

The public is invited to observe the memorial on the Sector Humboldt Bay Facebook page beginning at 8:15 a.m. (PST).

On June 8th, 1997 four Coast Guard helicopter crew members were lost after they were deployed to rescue mariners in distress about 60 miles west of Cape Mendocino.

Crewing the sector Humboldt Bay MH-65 Dolphin helicopter (CG-6549) were:

Lt. Jeffrey F. Crane, 35, of Marshfield, Massachussetts (CG Aviator #3188)

Lt. j. g. Charles W. Thigpen IV, 26, of Riverside (CG Aviator #3310)

Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard L. Hughes, 33, of Black Canyon, Arizona

Petty Officer 3rd Class James G. Caine, 26, of Hinesville, Georgia (CG Rescue Swimmer #425).

Captain Mark Hiigle of Sector Humboldt Bay Commander said all four men cannot and will not be forgotten.

”It is important for us to remember this crew and honor their sacrifice by continuing to stand the watch,” Hiigle said.

Click here for a link to the memorial which will be Live-streamed on Monday at 8:15 a.m. (PST).