LBI Fisherman Had Meth, Alcohol In Body In Deadly Capsize: Report

A Barnegat Light man who captained a boat in a deadly capsize had methamphetamine and alcohol in his system, according to the Associated Press. The U.S. Coast Guard began a five-day hearing Monday on the Oregon incident that killed three men.

Stephen Biernacki, 50, of Barnegat Light; James Lacey, 48, of South Toms River; and Joshua Porter, 50, of Oregon died Jan. 8 after their crabbing boat was battered by waves up to 20 feet tall. Read more: Longtime Fishermen Out Of Barnegat Light Killed In Capsize: Cops

According to results shared at the hearing, toxicology found cannabis in Lacey's system, according to the AP. Porter had no drugs or alcohol in his body when he died, the AP reports.

The first day of the hearing focused on Biernacki and included remarks from local residents who spoke with him before the accident, the AP reports. The hearing also included lengthy testimony from an Oregon State Police Trooper who talked to him at the docks sometime before the trip.

Senior Trooper Heather Van Meter testified Biernacki seemed "impaired" and had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, but that it was common for fishermen to work to the point of exhaustion.

Biernacki and Porter died on the scene, Coast Guard officials said. The Coast Guard found Lacey in the ocean and rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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