Anchorage – The Coast Guard and good Samaritans teamed up for several rescues throughout Alaska Friday through Monday.
Local mariners came to the aid of a vessel in Pigot Bay near Whittier Friday and two vessels near Valdez and Kodiak Monday.
The 38-foot vessel Molly B was disabled in Pigot Bay due to engine trouble Friday. The operator contacted Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders who issued a Marine Assistance Request Broadcast over VHF/FM radio, channel 16. The crew of the vessel Sea Sport responded and stayed on scene until the crew of another vessel, the High Velocity, arrived to assist in repairs and escort the Molly B safely into Whittier Harbor.
Monday evening, the crew of the vessel Noni B contacted the Sector Anchorage command center to report they were disabled and adrift approximately three miles north of Hinchinbrook Island. Sector Anchorage dispatched a 45-foot Response Boat – Medium crew from Station Valdez to respond, and the crew of the vessel Lena Claire responded to the MARB. The crew of the Lena Claire took the Noni B in tow, anchored the vessel in Sung Cove and safely transferred the three passengers to Valdez.
Also Monday evening, the crew of the fishing vessel Mariner reported being disabled and adrift in Shelikof Strait near Kodiak. Watchstanders at the Sector Anchorage command center lost communications with the Mariner and dispatched a Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew to locate the Mariner and regain communication. The crew of the fishing vessel Vaerdal responded and towed the Mariner safely into Kodiak City today.
“The Coast Guard appreciates members of the community for using their time and resources to aid fellow mariners in their time of need,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. Shawn Decker, chief of response, Sector Anchorage. “These cases illustrate how invaluable good Samaritans are to the Coast Guard and boating community.”
The Coast Guard reminds all boaters to file a float plan and check the weather prior to getting underway. For updated weather forecasts, check www.noaa.gov .
The Coast Guard recommends that all boaters carry the proper safety equipment, including lifejackets and survival suit for cold weather. A list of recommend safety equipment can be found at http://uscgboating.org/ .