Jimmy Chun, 59, was fishing in deep water off the north bank at the mouth of the river early Monday morning. Witnesses said he moved progressively farther away from the bank until he was out into the river beyond other dipnetters.

Chun apparently lost his footing and was carried downstream.

Witnesses called 911 and tried to extend their dipnets for him to grab but he was out of their reach.

The current swept Chun into the Inlet, said police Lt. Kim Wannamaker.

Officers contacted a commercial fishing vessel and the crew pulled Chun from the water.

Emergency crews met the vessel at the dock at Snug Harbor. Chun was taken to Central Peninsula General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.