April 5, 2012 11:59:21 AM PDT
Unified Command media update.
Divers have recovered two bodies from the debris of the Squalicum Harbor boathouse fire this morning. The first discovery was made at about 8:00 a.m, the second was at about 10:45 a.m.
It is too early to know the identities of the persons found. Both bodies have been turned over to the Whatcom County Medical Examiner (Dr. Gary Goldfogel) who will strive to establish their identities along with the manner and cause of death. The families of Jim Langei and Sterling Taylor have been advised of these most recent developments.
Jim Langei, 43, and his wife Sterling Taylor, 33 lived aboard their 42-foot boat that was among several others that sank following a fire at a boathouse on March 30 about 5:30 a.m. locating the victims has been the highest priority in this operation.
Access to Dock D off of Gate 5 and Dock E off of Gate 3 will continue to be temporarily limited to boat owners during this phase of the recovery operation due to concerns by Unified Command staff that the docks could be hazardous with the anticipated increase of public and media foot traffic.
For more information concerning this news release, please contact Bellingham Police Department Public Information Officer Mark Young at 360-815-3127.
