JUNEAU, Alaska – A 25-foot rescue boat crew from Station Ketchikan responded to a ‘Mayday’ call from a sailing vessel in Behm Canal in the vicinity of Back Island, 16 miles northwest of Ketchikan, at approximately 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Two mariners aboard a 35-foot sailing vessel reportedly lost propulsion and lost control of steering. The sails were down and it is unknown whether the sails were operational.
The rescue crew arrived within 20 minutes of recieving the ‘Mayday’ call and took over a tow being conducted by a vessel operated by SeaFac Range Control. The sailing vessel has been towed to Knudson Cove approximately five miles from were the sailing vessel became disabled.
Weather conditions at the time of the rescue were 18 knot winds from the southeast with visibility up to 10 miles.
“The weather is beginning to change and winter is upon us, I would like to encourage all boaters to check the weather and prepare their boats! If there are questions about what safety equipment is required, Station Ketchikan would be glad to answer and can be reached at 229-0340,” said Petty Officer Seth Thompson, Coxswain Station Ketchikan.
No injuries have been reported.
