Coast Guard suspends search for person in the water in Nushagak Bay, south of Dillingham, Alaska

 

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska Contact: 17th District Public Affairs Office: (907) 428-4181; (907) 463-2067 After Hours: (907) 209-8731 17th District online newsroom

Coast Guard suspends search for person in the water in Nushagak Bay, south of Dillingham, Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard has suspended their search for a man reportedly missing after the fishing vessel he was on capsized with two other people aboard in Nushagak Bay, south of Dillingham, Alaska, Wednesday.

An Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, Alaska State Trooper personnel and good Samaritans searched the area since the initial notification of distress was received. The Jayhawk crew searched more than 25 square nautical miles and 23 nautical miles of coastline, for approximately six hours.

Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders received a relayed report from the good Samaritan crew of the Bella Catherine reporting that a fishing vessel had capsized near Clark's Point with three people aboard. Sector Anchorage watchstanders notified Coast Guard District 17 watchstanders who launched the Jayhawk crew. A good Samaritan crew aboard the fishing vessel Amanda C rescued two people from the water and transferred them to an Alaska State Trooper. 

"The reports and assistance from good Samaritans and State Trooper personnel allowed for a timely search and the immediate rescue of two people in this case," said Lt. Stephen Nolan, the District 17 command duty officer. "Ending a search is never easy, especially when working alongside so many people dedicated to finding the missing person. Our condolences go out to this man’s family and friends during this time of hardship."

Weather on scene was reported as 5-10 mph winds and 2-3 ft seas.