By GARLAND KENNEDY
Sentinel Staff Writer
Good Samaritan vessels rescued three people who were aboard a boat that took on water and capsized Monday off Chichagof Island, about 65 miles northwest of Sitka.
A Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station Sitka responded and airlifted the survivors to Sitka for medical care.
Coast Guard public affairs specialist Melissa McKenzie summarized the emergency:
“The vessel was taking on water. It capsized and the three individuals went into the water. A good Samaritan vessel picked them up. And then we had a helicopter from Air Station Sitka that was able to hoist all three survivors and then take them for further emergency medical services.”
Commercial troller Matt Donohoe was on the fishing grounds, and over his VHF radio heard the rescue as it unfolded. He credited the fishing boat F/V Lucky Strike and the tender Cyrus for their rapid responses to the emergency.
“Those Coasties and the guy on the Lucky Strike represent the best of ourselves,” Donohoe said. “It was a dramatic rescue and went on for hours in 20 knot northwest (winds) and fog.”
Donohoe, who is president of the Alaska Trollers Association, spoke to the Sentinel using an InReach satellite messaging device from the fishing grounds.
“The guy called… with a mayday, which gets everyone’s attention. He was garbled. Said he’s taking on water near Porcupine (Bay), which is just south of Lisianski Inlet. Three people aboard, I think one was a 10-year-old boy. Everyone within radio range was riveted. The 30-foot F/V Lucky Strike saved them. The tender Cyrus also stood by, with the CG flyboys, God bless them, flying out in dense fog to pick them up,” Donohoe said.
The Coast Guard said the survivors were taken to the SEARHC hospital, but no information was available on their condition by press time today.
