UPDATE: Coast Guard, partner agencies, good Samaritans are responding to the report of two downed aircrafts near Ketchikan, Alaska

 

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska Contact: 17th District Public Affairs Office: (907) 463-2065 After Hours: (907) 463-2065 17th District online newsroom

UPDATE: Coast Guard, partner agencies, good Samaritans are responding to the report of two downed aircrafts near Ketchikan, Alaska 

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard, partner agencies and good Samaritans continue to respond to the report of two downed aircraft and are searching for three people in the vicinity of George Inlet near Ketchikan, Alaska, Monday.

Ten people were rescued and are receiving medical care, the extent of their injuries are unknown. Three people are confirmed deceased. 

The aircraft involved were a Beaver float plane and an Otter float plane.

The Coast Guard is searching with the cutter Bailey Barco, an Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, a HC-130 from Kodiak is flying in relief crews from Sitka and two Station Ketchikan 45-foot Response Boat-Mediums.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau is actively coordinating the search with the following agencies:

U.S. Forest Service
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Ketchikan Fire Department
Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad
Alaska State Troopers
TEMSCO Aviation

"In a remote area such as this, given our limited resources, we rely on our partner agencies and appreciate the support that good Samaritans have rendered to this point," said Capt. Stephen White, Coast Guard Sector Juneau commander. "With the loss of life in this case, we know that the impact to Alaska is immense and our thoughts are with the community here."   

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the incident. Preliminary reports to the Coast Guard indicate that this was a mid-air collision between the two planes. 

This is a developing case and we will update as we learn more.

-USCG-