US Coast Guard Searches for 5 Missing People After Fishing Boat Capsizes off Alaska
The U.S. Coast Guard is currently conducting a search for five individuals after a fishing boat capsized in rough weather and seas near Alaska’s capital of Juneau. The incident occurred when the crew of the Wind Walker, a 50-foot boat, sent out a distress call around 12:10 a.m., reporting that the vessel was overturning. Despite the Coast Guard’s efforts to establish communication with the crew, their attempts went unanswered.
Response Efforts and Challenging Conditions
In response to the distress call, the crew of a ferry named the AMHS Hubbard was the first to arrive at the scene. Additionally, the Coast Guard deployed an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a response boat to aid in the search and rescue operation. During the search, seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights were discovered in the water within the search area.
The search and rescue teams faced challenging conditions, including heavy snow, winds reaching up to 60 mph, and seas as high as 6 feet. The area where the Wind Walker capsized, off Point Couverden southwest of Juneau, is situated in the Gulf of Alaska and was under a winter storm warning at the time of the incident.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Number of Individuals Aboard
While individuals familiar with the crew of the Wind Walker indicated that there were five people aboard the vessel, authorities have not yet been able to confirm this number. The boat originated just south of Point Couverden in Icy Strait, adding to the complexity of the search and rescue operation. As the Coast Guard continues its search efforts, the fate of the missing individuals remains uncertain.
As the search for the missing individuals intensifies, the U.S. Coast Guard is urging anyone with information regarding the crew of the Wind Walker to come forward and assist in the ongoing search and rescue mission. Despite the challenging conditions and uncertainties surrounding the incident, the Coast Guard remains committed to locating the missing individuals and ensuring their safety.
