By Sentinel Staff
Three hunters stranded on a mountain in Lynn Canal were rescued Monday morning by a Coast Guard helicopter crew from Sitka assisted by Juneau Mountain Rescue members.
The three – men ages 56 and 31 and a woman, 27 – had been reported stuck on William Henry Mountain, northwest of William Henry Bay, on Sunday evening. Alaska State Troopers contacted the Coast Guard’s Juneau Command Center, and since the three were in no immediate distress it was decided it would be safer to wait until first light Monday to conduct a hoist.
The Coast Guard Air Station Sitka helicopter crew took two Juneau Mountain Rescue members on board before going to the aid of the hunters, who were hoisted aboard and flown to Juneau.
The weather at the scene was 30 mph winds and three miles visibility.
“Having the Juneau Mountain Rescue members aboard our helicopter allowed us the ability to lower them to provide assistance if we were unable to safely conduct the hoist,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Gee of Sector Juneau command watchstander.
