Coast Guard rescues 2 kayakers near Juneau, Alaska

united states coast guard

News Release May 21, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska
Contact: 17th District Public Affairs
Office: (907) 487-5700
After Hours: (907) 723-5367

JUNEAU, Alaska — Two Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews rescued two kayakers near Chichagof Island Saturday evening after they became separated as weather deteriorated.

Both kayakers were hoisted by the Sitka aircrews and transported to Sitka. There were no injuries reported. 

Watchstanders at the 17th District Command Center received an alert from a personal locator beacon near Chichagof Island. Sector Juneau was relayed the information and coordinated the response by launching the Sitka helicopter crews to search the area. Once on scene, the aircrews located both kayakers and conducted the hoists.

“This is a great example of the importance of having a personal locator beacon on you when participating in activities on Alaska’s waters,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Jared Buchmiller, 17th District watchstander.   “The kayakers realized their situation had the potential of becoming dangerous and became proactive so rescuers could reach them before their situation worsened.”

Weather on scene was reported as 40 mph winds and 2-foot seas.

-USCG-