Coast Guard
watchstanders have received reports from individuals familiar with those aboard
the vessel that indicate there were five people aboard. This number has not
been confirmed and is subject to change pending new information.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska watchstanders received a mayday
call at 12:10 a.m. on VHF channel 16 from the crew aboard the fishing vessel Wind Walker reporting
they were overturning. The vessel was
reported to be approximately 50 feet
long.
The watchstanders attempted to gather additional information but
received no response.
Coast Guard watchstanders also received an emergency position-indicating
radio beacon alert that was registered to the vessel originating just south of
Point Couverden in Icy Strait.
Sector Southeast
Alaska watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed
the launch of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station
Sitka and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Juneau
to search the area.
The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry vessel AMHS Hubbard
overheard the broadcast and offered to assist, arriving on scene first.
Seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights have been located
in the water in the search area. Local weather conditions consist of heavy
snow, winds up to 45-60 mph, and 6-foot seas.
Involved in the
search are: Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska;
Coast Guard Air Station Sitka; Coast Guard Station Juneau; Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB-20) and AMHS Hubbard