Coast Guard suspends search for a missing man in Kake, 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

Coast Guard suspends search for a missing man in Kake, Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska - The Coast Guard suspended the search Thursday for a missing 55-year-old male who reportedly fell from a pier in Kake, Alaska.

A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew searched the shoreline and surrounding waters in an effort to locate the male.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstanders received notification at 7:55 a.m., Thursday, from a family member of the missing man reporting his unknown whereabouts since Wednesday afternoon. Residents of Kake, Alaska State Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers assisted in the search.

"Suspending a search is one of the hardest decisions we make in the Coast Guard,” said Cmdr. Byron Hayes, Sector Juneau search and rescue mission coordinator. "The decision is made with great care and deliberation, and with heavy hearts for the family and friends of the missing man.”

Weather was reported as light winds, good visibility, 1-2 foot seas, a water temperature of 55 degrees and an air temperature of 52 degrees.

-USCG-