Bryson Fitch is pictured with his wife and two of their kids.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ocean fishing is one of the world’s most dangerous and deadly jobs, and tragedy struck Pacific County earlier this year when the F/V Ethel May sank in Willapa Bay on Feb. 6. The tragedy rang the bell that more needed to be done to protect fishermen.

U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has taken matters into her own hands, introducing a bill in the House of Representatives last week aimed at helping missing fishermen have a better chance of being found. The bill would provide government assistance to fishing companies through a tax incentive that would offset 50% of the cost of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs).

“Fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, and it’s our responsibility to make sure these hard-working men and women are protected on the job,” Perez, D-Washougal, stated. “This bill will help ensure more fishermen are equipped with the personal safety equipment they need to be located during an emergency.”

The captain and one deckhand from the F/V Ethel May were plucked from a life raft after the boat sank, but deckhand Bryson Fitch, a father of three, was lost at sea. His family, friends, volunteers and local authorities amassed a massive search for the man, encompassing hundreds of miles of ocean and beaches.

Fitch was never found.

“I’m continuing to keep Bryson, his loved ones, and the fishing community in my prayers, and I hope we can honor his legacy by making fishermen safer,” Perez said.

The bill has been named in his honor, the Bryson Fitch Fisherman Protection Act.

“Anything that can be done to enhance the safety and protection of our fisherman would be greatly appreciated by the [Pacific County Sheriff’s Office],” Cmdr. Michael Parker said.

The U.S. Coast Guard currently only recommends PLBs for commercial fishermen. The beacons can allow search and rescue members to locate a fisherman by a strobe the device emits, and most can transmit a GPS location. The beacons range in price but average between $300-$500.