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U.S. Coast Guard Searches for 5 Missing in Freezing Alaska Waters After Boat Capsizes

2024-12-02

The U.S. Coast Guard is engaged in a desperate search for five individuals in the frigid waters near Alaska. This incident has captured the attention of both the local community and the nation as the Coast Guard works tirelessly to bring these missing people home. The 50-foot Wind Walker crew sent out a mayday call at 12:10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, near Couverden Point, Alaska, stating that they were overturning. Despite the heroic efforts of the Coast Guard, the crew then stopped responding, adding to the urgency of the search. Under local weather conditions of heavy snow, gusts up to 60 mph, and 6-foot high seas, the search has become a challenging task. Five people were indicated to be on the vessel by "individuals familiar with those aboard." The watchstanders attempted to gather more information but received no response. An "emergency position-indicating radio beacon alert" pinpointed the ship just south of Point Couverden in Icy Strait. The search is being carried out by Sector Southeast Alaska watchstanders, Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB-20), Coast Guard Station Juneau, along with a helicopter aircrew and a boat response crew. The ferry vessel AMHS Hubbard was the first to arrive and assist on the scene. So far, seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights have been found in the waters around the vessel's last known location. Up until midnight on Sunday, Dec. 1, the National Weather Service issued a weather warning of winds reaching over 50 mph, causing choppy waves in the Couverden Point area. The U.S. Coast Guard is appealing to anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska at 907-463-2980. As the search continues, the hope remains that these missing individuals will be found safe and sound.

The U.S. Coast Guard's Race Against Time in Freezing Waters

Initial Mayday Call and Crew's Dilemma

The 50-foot Wind Walker's mayday call at 12:10 a.m. on Sunday was a desperate cry for help. The crew found themselves in a terrifying situation as they were overturning in the freezing waters near Couverden Point. This initial communication set in motion a series of events that would test the capabilities of the U.S. Coast Guard. The crew's subsequent silence only added to the mystery and the urgency of the search. The local weather conditions only made the situation more perilous, with heavy snow, strong gusts, and high seas.

As the Coast Guard rushed to the scene, they faced numerous challenges. Gathering additional information from the crew became difficult as they stopped responding. The emergency position-indicating radio beacon alert was a crucial piece of information that helped pinpoint the ship's location. This allowed the search teams to focus their efforts and increase their chances of finding the missing people.

Search and Rescue Efforts in Action

The search for the missing crew members is a collaborative effort involving multiple units of the U.S. Coast Guard. Sector Southeast Alaska watchstanders, Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB-20), and Coast Guard Station Juneau are all working together to cover every possible area. The addition of a helicopter aircrew and a boat response crew has enhanced the search capabilities, allowing for a more thorough search of the icy waters.

The ferry vessel AMHS Hubbard's quick response was a crucial first step in providing assistance. Its presence on the scene helped to stabilize the situation and provide additional resources. The discovery of seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights in the waters around the vessel's last known location is a sign that the crew may have been wearing these safety devices. However, the absence of the crew themselves remains a mystery.

Weather Challenges and the Search Continues

The National Weather Service's warning of winds reaching over 50 mph and choppy waves in the Couverden Point area added another layer of difficulty to the search. The rough seas made it challenging for the search teams to navigate and conduct their operations. Despite these obstacles, the U.S. Coast Guard remains committed to finding the missing crew members.

As the days go by, the search continues with the hope that the missing individuals will be located. The U.S. Coast Guard is relying on the public's assistance and asking anyone with information to come forward. Every piece of information could be crucial in bringing these people home safely.