KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard is searching for a man who reportedly fell overboard from a 45-foot fishing vessel in the vicinity of Skagway Tuesday.
A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Sitka, Skagway emergency response personnel, the Alaska State Troopers, three good Samaritan vessels and a Temsco helicopter are searching near Skagway.
Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstanders received a phone call from a Skagway police officer this afternoon reporting that a crewmember from the vessel had fallen overboard. The crew of the vessel reported that they had deployed a life ring and attempted to pull the crewmember back aboard several times but that the life jacket broke and separated from the man.
The watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast requesting the assistance of mariners in the area and directed the launch of the helicopter crew. A Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento C-130 Hercules airplane crew in the area was also diverted to assist with the search.
“Our primary concern is locating and assisting the missing fisherman,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Chad Mountcastle of Sector Juneau. “We are working closely with our units, maritime partners and good Samaritans on scene to search for him.”
Weather in the area is reportedly 35 mph winds and 2-foot seas.
