ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Coast Guard and Good Samaritans are currently searching for a Sitka man overdue on a voyage from Sitka to Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska.
The 110-foot Coast Guard Cutter Liberty is en route to the scene. A MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and crew from Air Station Sitka are currently on scene. Members of Sitka Mountain Rescue may be employed in the search later today.
The man was reported overdue by his employer at 7 a.m. Sunday and a search ensued. A Good Samaritan aircraft located the man’s 16-foot skiff grounded at a point near Yamani Islet. The Coast Guard helicopter lowered a rescue swimmer to the vessel. It was reportedly in good condition and there were signs that the man had been recently operating the skiff.
He was reported to be staying at a cabin on Baranof Island’s Seven Fathoms Bay while on a beachcombing expedition. Searchers plan to visit the cabin today. The site is about 20 miles south of Sitka.
Weather in the area is reported as overcast with light winds and rain.
