Three fishermen from Southeast Alaska have been charged with intentionally sinking their fishing vessels in separate incidents near Sitka and Petersburg, according to court documents filed last month. Federal law prohibits the deliberate sinking of a vessel that blocks navigable waters.
The incidents occurred as follows: On March 8, 2025, John Fisher, 59, of Sitka allegedly sank the F/V Igloo in Sitka Sound. On August 3, 2025, Joseph Poling, 40, of Petersburg is accused of sinking the F/V Leeward in Thomas Bay. Between September 28 and October 3, 2025, Toni Vanveen, 65, also of Sitka allegedly sank the F/V O’kisutch in Sitka Harbor.
Each individual faces one count of obstruction of navigable waters by sinking a vessel. If convicted, they could face at least 30 days and up to one year in federal prison and fines reaching $25,000 for each day their vessel remains submerged. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district judge who will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Paul Schultz from the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service Northwest Field Office announced the charges.
The cases are being investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service with help from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s Environmental Crimes Unit.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen M. Speer (U.S. Coast Guard) is leading prosecution efforts with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt.
“A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” officials stated.
