An aircrew with the U.S. Coast Guard rescued three people after their raft ran aground in the Copper River near Cordova Wednesday morning. An Air Station Kodiak aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter hoisted and transported the three mariners from the Copper River to awaiting emergency medical services personnel in Cordova.
Watchstanders with the Coast Guard Sector Anchorage command center received the medevac request from a good Samaritan at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, reporting that three people ran aground in their 14-foot raft and were unable to get to shore. The hoist was conducted at 12:24 a.m.
The mariners were transported to Cordova Volunteer Fire Department EMS personnel, who then took them to the Cordova Community Medical Center to receive a higher level of care.
Lt. j.g. Jacob Evertt, Sector Anchorage command duty officer said:
“The bystander’s quick call for the three people in distress was crucial in the success of this rescue operation. Local emergency operators and Coast Guard Sector Anchorage personnel worked together efficiently allowing Air Station Kodiak to launch quickly to rescue the three people.”
All three people were reported in stable condition. None of them have been identified.