By Sentinel Staff
Two men were rescued by a good Samaritan vessel Tuesday evening after their 14-foot skiff overturned near Elfin Cove, the Coast Guard said in a press release.
The men, brothers ages 64 and 65, were unconscious and in critical condition when they were pulled from the water, but revived after their rescue, said USCG Public Affairs Specialist Melissa McKenzie. They were reported to be traveling from Sitka to Pelican when their small boat overturned.
“The two survivors said at the time the skiff capsized, there were six-foot swells,” McKenzie said.
The good Samaritan boat took the men to the seaplane dock at Elfin Cove, where a helicopter dispatched from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka picked them up about 7:45 p.m. and flew them to Juneau, where an EMS team was waiting. McKenzie noted that the two have been discharged.
The identity of the boaters was not available at Sentinel press time today.
McKenzie said this case points up the importance of wearing life vests in Southeast Alaska waters.
Also, said USCG Lt. Brian Dykens in the press release, “This demonstrates just how valuable good Samaritans are in Southeast Alaska. We are thankful for the several mariners who reported the incident and responded to aid the two men in frigid waters. They really made the difference here between life and death.”