Coast Guard rescues two campers, four dogs north of Sitka

JUNEAU, Alaska – A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued two Sitka residents along with their four dogs from their campsite at Goose Cove 34 miles north of Sitka Monday.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau command center watchstanders received a call from the family of John McGraw, one of the two campers, requesting Coast Guard assistance.

The helicopter rescue crew was diverted from a routine patrol to assist McGraw and his friend. The rescue crew landed the helicopter on the beach in Goose Cove at 10:07 a.m. and embarked the campers and their dogs. The men’s skiff had reportedly capsized overnight due to bad weather preventing their return.

The helicopter crew arrived safely in Sitka at 10:56 a.m. with the men and dogs in good condition. The winds in the area were reportedly 37 mph at the time of the rescue.