ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard rescued four men from a life raft after they abandoned their fishing vessel more than 30 miles south of Resurrection Bay, Thursday night.
Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders received a mayday call on marine VHF radio channel 16 at 9:01 p.m. from the crew of the 110-foot fishing vessel Moonlight Maid. The crew reported that the vessel was sinking and they were donning survival suits and entering their life raft.
Sector Anchorage watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak-based MH-60 Jayhawk elicopter crew to rescue the men in distress. The helicopter crew located the four individuals in their life raft at 10:51 p.m. The helicopter crew safely hoisted the fishermen and took them to Seward where they were transferred to emergency medical personnel. There were no reported injuries.
“They were prepared for an emergency and did exactly what they needed to do to help ensure their safety,” said Jennifer Lambert, Sector Anchorage watchstander. “They were prepared with the proper survival suits, life raft, an emergency position beacon and proper communications gear. Having this equipment and using it in a correct and timely manner kept them safe until the helicopter arrived.”
The vessel was carrying approximately 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel. A Coast Guard helicopter crew will conduct an over flight to check for debris and pollution. Sector Anchorage response department will conduct an investigation into the incident.
Weather at the time the vessel sank was reported as 20-30 mph winds and 13-foot seas.
