Coast Guard, good Samaritans rescue vessel taking on water near Cordova

KODIAK, Alaska – A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, forward deployed to Cordova and two good Samaritan vessels rescued a 32-foot fishing vessel taking on water 22 miles south of Cordova Monday.

Coast Guard Sector Anchorage command center received a mayday call from Leo Americus, the skipper of the fishing vessel Divalu, via VHF radio at 4:48 p.m. reporting he was taking on water in Copper River Flats south of Cordova. The command center immediately issued an urgent marine information broadcast requesting nearby boaters to assist if possible.

The command center also ordered the launch of the forward-deployed helicopter crew, while the good Samaritan fishing vessel Alpine and another vessel, name unknown, responded to the UMIB to assist.

The helicopter crew arrived on scene, lowered a rescue swimmer and dewatering pump to the Divalu at 5:35 p.m. The rescue swimmer and good Samaritans were able to stop the leak and safely pump the water from the Divalu.

The helicopter crew and good Samaritans safely escorted the Divalu under its own power to Cordova. No pollution or injuries reported from this incident.

Weather at the time was reported to be winds at 22 mph with six foot seas.