Coast Guard coordinates rescue of 2 from downed aircraft near Ketchikan, Alaska

News Release

March 3, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska Contact: Petty Officer 3rd Class Lauren Steenson  (907) 321-4505

Coast Guard coordinates rescue of 2 from downed aircraft near Ketchikan, Alaska

 

Coast Guard, Tribal and local partners responded to an emergency landing of a Beechcraft airplane with two people aboard in the vicinity of Annette Island, Alaska, Friday.

 

Metlakatla police and fire rescue boat crews were first to arrive on scene and transported the two survivors to Metlakatla Clinic for medical care.

 

Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector Juneau received a report from the Federal Aviation Administration that the pilot of the BE18 Beechcraft missed the approach to the Ketchikan Airport due to icing on the airplane. The pilot diverted for an emergency landing on Annette Island but had to make an emergency landing in the water in Smuggler's Cove near Annette Island.

 

Sector Juneau watchstanders briefed the Alaska State Troopers and Annette Island Fire Department, and released an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to mariners. A Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Ketchikan and an Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew were also directed to the scene.

 

The Station Ketchikan RB-M crew remained on scene to examine the crash site where the airplane sunk. Station Ketchikan will monitor the scene for potential pollution with Marine Safety Detachment Ketchikan personnel.

 

“Metlakatla's quick response time was critical to locate the two survivors in a remote part of the island," said Petty Officer 1^st Class Breanna Tessier, a Sector Juneau watchstander. “Mission success can be attributed to seamless communications through Federal, Tribal, State and local entities, and we are thankful for their assistance.”

 

Weather on scene was reported as 34-mph winds, six-foot seas and restricted visibility.