UPDATE 1 and FINAL: Coast Guard locates 2 men, overdue aircraft near Sitka, Alaska

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska Contact: 17th District Public Affairs Office: (907) 487-5700 After Hours: (907) 723-5367 17th District online newsroom

UPDATE 1 and FINAL: Coast Guard locates 2 men, overdue aircraft near Sitka, Alaska

 

JUNEAU, Alaska – Coast Guard personnel located two men and the downed PA-18 Super Cub float plane that was reported overdue Saturday from Sitka.

 

Just after 10 p.m. Sunday, an Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk crew located the downed aircraft in the Katlian River just beyond the mouth at Katlian Bay. A Cutter Bailey Barco small boat and crew arrived and removed one body from the wreckage. The second man was found deceased further down the Katlian River, Monday. Both were transferred to the Sitka Police Department and the Alaska State Troopers.

  

“Our rescue crews searched tirelessly for the men and the aircraft since receiving notification that it was overdue Saturday,” said Capt. Stephen White, Sector Juneau commander. “It’s with heavy hearts that we found the men deceased, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of these individuals during this difficult time.” 

 

The Alaska State Troopers and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

 

Other partners involved in the search efforts include the Civil Air Patrol, the Alaska Air National Guard, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Air Force, the Sitka Police and Fire Departments, and Sitka Mountain Rescue. 

 

-USCG-