UPDATE VIDEO RELEASE: Coast Guard hoists man from water in Union Bay, Alaska

 

Update Video 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 hoists man from water in Union Bay, Alaska

Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.

KODIAK, Alaska – The Coast Guard rescued a 70-year-old man from the waters of Union Bay, Alaska, northwest of Meyers Chuck, Sunday.

A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted the man, who was in the water clinging to a piece of debris. 

“What saved this man's life was his essential survival equipment,” said Lt. Justin Neal, a helicopter pilot from Air Station Sitka. “He had an emergency position indicating radio beacon registered in his name that allowed us to find him quickly, and his survival suit kept him warm long enough for us to rescue him.”

Weather conditions at the time of the incident were up to 57 mph winds with 10 foot seas.

 

-USCG-