UPDATE: Coast Guard continues response to aircraft collision near Ketchikan, Alaska

 

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska Contact: 17th District Public Affairs Office: (907) 463-2065 After Hours: (907) 209-8731 17th District online newsroom

UPDATE 2: Coast Guard continues response to airplane collision near Ketchikan, Alaska

Update: Coast Guard confirms the death of another individual bringing the total deceased to four and the total missing to two.

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard, partner agencies and good Samaritans continue to respond to the report of two aircrafts colliding and are searching for two 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. Four people are confirmed deceased. 

The aircrafts 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 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-