KODIAK, Alaska – A Coast Guard Station Valdez 25-foot Response Boat-Small crew and multiple crews of good Samaritan vessels rescued five adults and one child from the 26-foot pleasure craft Double Time that was taking on water in the Valdez Narrows Sunday evening.
Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders received a mayday call via VHF-FM Channel 16 from the master of the Double Time at about 7:25 p.m. stating the Double Time was taking on water. The watchstanders immediately issued an urgent marine information broadcast. Multiple good Samaritans responded to the UMIB and were on scene to render assistance within minutes. Sector Anchorage directed the launch of the RB-S crew.
Upon arrival on scene the crew of the 30-foot good Samaritan vessel Raider took the 7-year-old child and three adults aboard from the Double Time. The Double Time’s master and one crewmember stayed aboard and attempted to dewater the vessel. The RB-S crew arrived at about 7:54 p.m. and delivered a motorized dewatering pump to assist the Double Time crew.
The three adults and one child were transferred from the Raider to the Station Valdez RB-S. The RB-S crew took the Double Time in tow and arrived safely to Valdez Harbor at about 10:30 p.m. The Double Time crew was reported in good condition.
The weather at the time of the incident was reported as 11 mph winds, two-foot seas and a water temperature of 52 degrees.
The Coast Guard reminds boaters to thoroughly prepare and inspect their vessels before taking to Alaskan waters. An emergency kit should contain items such as extra food and water, an emergency position indicating radio beacon, flares, spare parts and tools. Life jackets must be the proper size for the individual and there must be a life jacket on board for each person. Children 13 years of age and younger are required by Alaska state law to wear their life jackets at all times while on the water.
To obtain a free vessel safety check, visit http://www.safetyseal.net or call your nearest Coast Guard unit or Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla.
