In a harrowing incident off the coast of Sitka, Alaska, the United States Coast Guard responded to a distress call regarding an overturned vessel. Tragically, two individuals were found dead, while three others were rescued. The Coast Guard’s swift action and rescue efforts saved the lives of the survivors.
The incident took place near Chichagof Island, and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter air crew from Air Station Sitka was the first to respond. They successfully recovered the three individuals from the water, and they were later transported to the Sitka airport for medical attention. However, the following day, the bodies of the two missing people were discovered inside the cabin of the vessel.
Coast Guard Capt. Darwin Jensen, commander of Sector Southeast Alaska, expressed his condolences and support for the families of the deceased. He also thanked the Sitka Fire Department and other partner agencies for their assistance in the rescue operation.
The Sitka Police Department initially alerted the Coast Guard about the overturned vessel, prompting a swift response from Coast Guard Cutters Douglas Denman and Kukui, as well as an HC-130 from Air Station Kodiak. Despite challenging weather conditions, including 8-10 knot winds and 9 ft. seas, the Coast Guard diligently searched the area for potential survivors.
Additional search efforts were conducted by Air Station Sitka, and ultimately, an unmanned underwater drone deployed by the Sitka Fire Department and Alaska Wildlife troopers located the missing individuals inside the vessel. However, recovery operations for the deceased will be postponed until on-scene conditions improve.
The incident highlights the bravery and dedication of the United States Coast Guard in their mission to protect and save lives at sea. Despite the tragic outcome, their efforts resulted in the successful rescue of three individuals, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the sorrow.
As investigations into the cause of the vessel overturning continue, it serves as a reminder of the risks individuals face when venturing out into the unpredictable waters. The Coast Guard’s swift response and search efforts demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the safety of all those at sea.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers that can arise when engaging in maritime activities. It also underscores the importance of proper safety measures and adherence to regulations to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
