A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, gathers with two people and a dog they rescued after the boaters kayaked to Montague Island, Alaska, when their 34-foot vessel began taking on water, Sept. 8, 2017.. U.S. Coast Guard photo
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, forward deployed to Cordova, and the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Chandeleur rescued two people and three dogs after their 34-foot vessel began taking on water near Montague Island, Alaska, Friday.
The Jayhawk crew landed on the beach at Montague Island where the boaters had kayaked with one dog after abandoning their vessel. The Jayhawk crew assessed the condition of the boaters and transported them and the dog to Cordova.
The crew of the Chandeleur rescued two dogs and transported them to Valdez after assessing the condition of the vessel.
Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders received a mayday call on VHF FM channel 16 from the boaters that their vessel was taking on water and they were abandoning ship to attempt to kayak to land. Watchstanders requested the launch of the Jayhawk crew and diverted the crew of the Chandeleur to the scene.
“Thankfully the boaters were experienced Alaskans with appropriate survival gear. They were able to radio for help, kayak to shore and signal their location with a red flare,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Curp, the flight mechanic on the case. “We know how important pets are to their families. We’re happy we were able to save all three dogs and get them to safety.”
Weather on scene was reported as 17-mph winds, 3-foot seas, water temperature of 51 degrees and air temperature of 48 degrees.
