The Coast Guard and Good Samaritans rescued four people after their vessel capsized approximately two nautical miles northeast of Chiniak Island, Alaska, Sunday.
Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders received a report over VHF radio just after 4:30 p.m. from the crew of Alaska Rose, a 46-foot fishing vessel, stating their vessel was taking on water. Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast on and launched a Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew.
The helicopter aircrew arrived on the scene less than 30 minutes after the report was initially received, at approximately 4:59 p.m., and quickly managed to locate one person on the overturned vessel. Coast Guard rescuers hoisted the individual and transferred them to Air Station Kodiak where they were met by local EMS.
Minutes after the Coast Guard Jayhawk arrived, the crew of Good Samaritan vessel Kylia arrived on the scene, rescued the remaining three crew members from the water, and transferred them to Kodiak where they too were met by local EMS.
“I wholeheartedly thank the good Samaritans involved,” said Lt. Madeline Romito, Sector Anchorage command duty officer. “The quick response between them and the helicopter crew played a major role in the positive outcome of this case.”
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
Weather conditions at the time of the rescues were 30-knot winds and 8-foot seas.