The search for five missing people has been suspended after rough seas and turbulent weather overturned a boat in Alaska just after midnight on Sunday, Dec. 1. A mayday call first alerted the U.S. Coast Guard to Couverden Point where the capsized fishing vessel, “Wind Walker,” was found.
A crew aboard a 50-foot boat sent out the emergency distress signal just after midnight on Sunday. The Coast Guard responded to the call for help and asked for more information, but all responses went unanswered.
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The Coast Guard began its rescue mission with the help of good Samaritans, fighting heavy snow and up to 60 mph winds to find anyone who had been aboard.
Water and air-based teams were sent in, including an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Sitka, following an urgent broadcast by the Coast Guard.
A ferry vessel known as the AMHS Hubbard responded to the scene first, after overhearing the call and volunteering to help with the mission.
In a press release, the Coast Guard said watchstanders also received an “emergency position-indicating radio beacon alert” coming from the boat. The signal showed its location south of Couverden Point in Icy Strait.
Before being suspended, the search turned up multiple cold water suits and strobe lights floating within the search area, however, no one from the boat had been found.
