News Release: Coast Guard, others searching for person in the water in Nushagak Bay, Alaska

 

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska Contact: 17th District Public Affairs Office: (907) 428-4140 After Hours: (907) 227-9248 17th District online newsroom

Coast Guard, others searching for person in the water in Nushagak Bay, Alaska

 

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard is searching for a person in the water in Nushagak Bay, Monday.

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and C-130 Hercules aircraft crew from Air Station Kodiak are searching for a male crew member from the commercial fishing vessel Pail Rider who went overboard at approximately 3 a.m.

The man was not wearing a life jacket, but was wearing orange pants and bib. The crew aboard the Pail Rider fired flares and other vessels arrived on scene to assist with the search. Approximately 10 good Samaritan fishing vessels are on scene assisting with the search.

“We are hopeful that with the bright-colored clothing, we have a stronger chance of locating this person,” said Ray Dwyer, Coast Guard 17th District command duty officer for the case. “Going overboard without a life jacket greatly reduces the likelihood of survival, especially in cold water. But with the help of all the good Samaritan crews out there, we’re doing everything we can.”

Approximate conditions in Nushagak Bay at the time the man entered the water included 20 mph winds, 10-mile visibility, one-foot seas, a water temperature of 52 degrees and an air temperature of 54 degrees.

Watchstanders in the Sector Anchorage command center received the initial report of the man overboard via VHF-FM marine radio from the Pail Rider at approximately 3 a.m.

The Pail Rider is home-ported in Dillingham. 

 

-USCG-