Coast Guard assists Troopers, Juneau Mountain Rescue, to save 2 hikers near Lemon Creek Glacier, Alaska

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska Contact: 17th District Public Affairs Office: (907) 487-5700 After Hours: (907) 654-4112 17th District online newsroom

Coast Guard assists Troopers, Juneau Mountain Rescue, to save 2 hikers near Lemon Creek Glacier, Alaska

KODIAK, Alaska - A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew medevaced two elderly men from Lemon Creek Glacier, Alaska, Sunday.

The aircrew hoisted both men and two Juneau Mountain Rescue personnel from the Glacier. 

Both men were transported to awaiting emergency medical services for further care. They were reported to have been fatigued but had no reported injuries. 

Sector Juneau command center watchstanders received notification from Alaska State Troopers of two hikers requiring a medical evacuation.

Juneau Mountain Rescue personnel spent the day searching for the men and located them, but were unable to bring them back down due to rugged terrain. Sector Juneau directed the launch of an Air Station Sitka helicopter aircrew to assist. 

"This case highlighted the great working relationship between the Coast Guard and Juneau Mountain Rescue," said Lt. Kellen Browne, a pilot on the case. "Preparation on the part of the survivors with the proper communication equipment was key to the successful rescue of the two hikers."

Weather on scene was 10 mph winds, 10 miles visibility and an air temperature of 50 degrees. 

-USCG-