Video Release: Coast Guard, good Samaritans assist rescue of 4 from capsized vessel near Raspberry Island, Alaska

News Release

July 24, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 17th District PA Detachment Anchorage Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Anchorage Office: (907) 428-4140 Cell: (907) 227-9248

 Video Release: Coast Guard, good Samaritans assist rescue of 4 from capsized vessel near Raspberry Island, Alaska

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk crew and good Samaritans assisted with the rescue of the captain and three crew members Monday from a capsized fishing vessel in the Kupreanof Strait near Raspberry Island.

The crew of the Calista Marie arrived on scene and rescued one crewman from the Grayling, as the Grayling's skiff driver rescued the master. The aircrew diverted from a training flight when they observed the captain of the capsized fishing vessel Grayling jump into the water to assist the fourth crewman.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Anchorage received a call on VHF-FM channel 16 at 3:25 p.m. Monday from the crew of the Calista Marie reporting that they responded to the capsized Grayling. The captain of the Grayling was able to pull one of his crewmen safely onto the Grayling's purse seiner skiff and initiate CPR. The MH-60 Jayhawk crew then transported him to awaiting EMS at Kodiak Municipal Airport.

The cause of the capsizing has not been determined.

"That fisherman didn't hesitate. It was incredible to see him jump into 47-degree water to save his crew," said Lt. Kevin Riley, an Air Station Kodiak Jayhawk pilot. "It is a testament to how tough those fishermen are and how far they will go to help their fellow Alaskans."

Weather on scene was 17-mph winds, 5-foot seas with unrestricted visibility.

 

-USCG-