THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, February 20, 1997           TAG: 9702200075
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 
SOURCE: BY CATHERINE KOZAK, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: OREGON INLET                      LENGTH:   39 lines

``A GOOD GESTURE'' COAST GUARD HOLDS RITES FOR THREE KILLED IN PACIFIC

The Coast Guard held a memorial service Wednesday at the Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station to honor three colleagues who drowned last week off the coast of Washington.

A short ceremony was held at 3 p.m. at the treacherous area in the channel called ``The Bar,'' chosen to symbolize the danger that claimed their West Coast comrades.

The three Coast Guard members, stationed at LaPush, Wash., died while attempting to rescue two sailors who were in trouble in rough seas off the northwest coast of Washington.

The sailors' 44-foot motor lifeboat capsized in 25-foot waves. Search efforts were hampered by 40-mph winds, driving rain and heavy seas. Ironically, the sailboat and passengers survived the storm unscathed after being plucked from the waves by a Coast Guard helicopter.

Petty Officer 1st Class Deane Smith at Oregon Inlet said the local Coast Guards wanted to honor their Washington counterparts at the same time a similar ceremony was being conducted on the West Coast.

``We just felt it would be a good gesture,'' Smith said. ``We're the same type of crew as they are.''

Smith said a wreath was thrown into Oregon Inlet. Three Coast Guard members matching the rank of the deceased each tolled a bell while reciting the deceased man's name. They then read a short poem:

``Eternal father, Lord of hosts watch o'er all those who guard our coasts. Protect them light and life and peace. Grant them from thy great throne above the shield and shelter of thy love.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

U.S. Coast Guard Photo

Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Rick L. Ball II and Seaman Erin

K. Fear participate in a memorial service Wednesday.